Service Learning and General Chemistry

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Service Learning and General Chemistry?

• Sapna Gupta
• Park University
• Parkville, MO
• sapna_at_park.edu

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What is Service Learning?

• In a Nutshell..
• Volunteer in the community.
• Get credit for it in school.

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How is SL Different than Community Service?

• Reflection is a must
• Time Commitment

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Instructions to Students

• Optional activity since there is a need for
  time commitment,
• Keeping a Journal is mandatory,
• Maintain a good standing in the chemistry course,
• Meet biweekly with me for progress update.

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SL Part of Syllabus

• Write a maximum of four reports on current
  topics, historical aspect.
• OR
• Do a Service Learning project for the semester.

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Time Schedule

• Tell students about the SL project at the
  beginning of the semester.
• Students respond, latest, by third week.
• Discuss the project in detail.
• Set the schedule and deadline.
• Discuss the assessment process.

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SL Opportunities in General Chemistry

• National Chemistry Week activities.
• Tutoring peers at Park University or local high
  schools.
• Mentoring at local Synergy Services.
• Design and carry out science experiments for
  elementary school kids.
• Any other activity students might have..

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Assessment

• Meet biweekly with student to get an update.
• Students submit their journals biweekly for
  grading.

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Future Plans..

• Establish contacts with middle school teachers
  for a longer/continuous partnership.
• Work with local libraries to offer weekend
  science programs for children.
• Work with Parks Civic Engagement Office to help
  find opportunities for students in the
  community..

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Future Plans contd

• Work at the interest level of student, e.g.
• drama, then work on a play that incorporates
  chemistry
• journalism disseminate information on the
  positives and interesting aspects of chemistry in
  the university paper or local paper
• Etc..

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Taking it to Another Level

• Working on an International Health course to be
  offered solely as a Service Learning course in
  Recife, Brazil.

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Thank you!!