SCIENCE SERVICE LEARNING

Ann Cartwright, Ph.D., Chair Ruben Ramirez, Lab Supervisor Department of Science

San Jacinto College-Central

WHAT IS SERVICE LEARNING?

Students are given an opportunity for active learning while providing a service to the community.

WHAT IS SCIENCE SERVICE LEARNING?

College students are responsible for helping pre-college age students perform hands-on experiments.

Science Service Learning Esson, J. M.; Stevens-Truss, R.; Thomas, A. J. Chem. Educ. 2005, 82, 1168-1173.

Improves cognitive skillsImproves course-related skills and self-reported

learning outcomesIncreases academic, interpersonal and

leadership skillsIncreases community engagementIncreases exposure to career development

opportunitiesImproves self-esteemIncreases ability to apply course concepts to new

real-world situations

1990 INVITED THE FIRST CHILDREN TO VISIT SCIENCE

1994 INVITED FIRST CHILDREN TO DO HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS

1997 STARTED ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK

ACIDS AND BASES

SHRINKY DINKSProperties of Polymers

1997 COLLEGE STUDENTS WERE TRAINED TO SERVE AS SCIENCE FAIR JUDGES

1997 STARTED DOING FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHTS AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

SCIENCE NIGHTS

SCIENCE NIGHTS

SCIENCE SERVICE LEARNINGSpring 2008 Four Family Science Nights at Elementary Schools & Two Science Fairs

Fall 2008 & 2009 National Chemistry Week Celebration with 120 4th Graders &

Adopted an Elementary School Spring 2009 & 2010 Three Science Fairs, 130 4th Grade Visitors, Expanding Your Horizons In Science & Math

ADOPTION OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

We visited all seven fourth-grade classes at Genoa Elementary School over a six week period in Fall 2008 & Fall 2009 to do one detailed experiment with each class.

We returned in November to judge their Science Fair. The teacher and class put together the tri-board for presentation.

Sugar Content in Soft Drinks vs. Fruit Juice

Gas Content in Regular Soft Drinks vs. Diet Drinks

What Toothpaste Is Most Effective In Removing Stain?

Absorbency of Diapers vs. Type of Liquid

Does Laundry Detergent, Dishwashing Detergent, Liquid Soap or Shampoo Disperse Oil the Best?

COLLEGE STUDENTS COMMENTS ABOUT THE CHILDREN“Young students really look up to us college

students.”

“I saw a few students get very excited when they grasped the concept. I have a sense of gratification.”

“This special night could also encourage them to pursue a higher education.”

COLLEGE STUDENT COMMENTS

“I’ve never been so involved in a class before. It inspires me to be a better student and take advantage of opportunities.”

“These activities provide a hands-on learning approach which reinforces material that has been taught in class.”

CHILDREN’S COMMENTS

“Your college deserves 400 billion rounds of applause, but I’ll be dead probably before I get to 1 million claps.”

“Now my sister and I are starting a small science lab in my bedroom .”

“It was a wonderful opportunity for 4th graders to learn more about science. At this age you get inspired in things that you might want to be when you grow up.”

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ COMMENTS“Your experiments were simple, but thought

provoking –a wonderful experience.”

“I was especially pleased to hear how your students were able to relate to our learning disabled and limited English students.”

“With the college students bringing in real scientific equipment and lowering the student to teacher ratio, students are able to really be involved in the process.”

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Esson, J. M.; Stevens-Truss, R.; Thomas, A. J. Chem. Educ. 2005, 82, 1168-1173.

Hatcher-Skeers, M.; Aragon, E. J. Chem. Educ. 2002, 79, 462-464.

LeRiviere, F. J.; Miler, L. M.; Millard, J. T. J Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1636-1639.

http://depts.washington.edu/ssl/Main/wathssl.html

FUNDING

Exxon Corporation (Prior to Merger with Mobil)

Greater Houston Section of the American Chemical Society

Special Thanks

Tiffany Sosa & Hilary Carter, Honor StudentsLab AssistantsCollege StudentsProfessional Development Center