Course Goals

The goal of the Chemistry Department's Science Service Learning Program is to provide university students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how science is related to global and local issues. In the context of community service, scientific skills are broadened and deepened while students engage pre-college students and community volunteers in projects that are both meaningful and relevant to their interests and needs. By providing the opportunity to reach beyond their own campus community, science Service Learning encourages university students to develop civic skills along with scientific expertise.

1) To provide students with content-driven learning outside the traditional academic setting and encourage application of scientific knowledge in a way that gives students connection with the community. Through this experience, students can gain an understanding of the scientific process outside the sterile confines of a textbook. An auxiliary goal is to generate interest in and commitment to science literacy, majors, or careers.

2) To improve student understanding of the scientist's role in the community and develop a sense of community stewardship and citizenship. The scientific community has been accused of being too distant and inaccessible to the general population. Many SSL students will choose science majors and become our country's future scientists. It is important for students to understand the important role they can play in their community, either by adding scientific information to projects that directly impact communities or by interesting young people in science.

3) To provide a needed service for the community. The university is a resource-rich environment, filled with students looking for practical applications of their knowledge. The community is generally resource poor with problems to solve and little with which to work. The combination of these two elements produces an outcome that is win-win for both sides.