Service-Learning in the Geosciences

Created by Suzanne Savanick, Science Education Resource Center

photo by Ed Laine

"It was really meaningful for me to know that what I was learning has applications in the real world, rather than just learning something in order to pass a test or get a good grade. It was a huge sense of accomplishment when the project was finally finished and I could finally explain what all the data meant because I knew that we had really learned something that would be of use to other members in the community. "

Jennifer, sophomore, undeclared major, Bowdoin College Service-Learning Student

Service-learning offers the opportunity to link academic learning with community service.

As part of their academic experience, students work on real-world, hands-on projects with a community partner. Service-learning has been used extensively as a teaching tool in environmental studies courses (Ward, 1999).

What is service-learning?

Find definitions, components, and ways service-learning is used in coursework. Learn more here.

Why use service-learning?

Find out how service-learning could improve pedagogy and benefit students and institutions. Learn more here.

How to use service-learning?

Learn about the principals of good practice in community service-learning pedagogy and learn specific steps to incorporate service-learning into your class. Learn more here.