Service-Learning in the Geosciences
Created by Suzanne Savanick, Science Education Resource Center
"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.
Examples of service-learning
See examples of service-learning courses in the geosciences,
learn more here.
References on service-learning
For a list of useful references on service-learning,
learn more here.
This material was originally created for
Starting Point:Introductory Geology 
