Using service projects to teach high school youth about environmental conservation
Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency's publication, Service-Learning: Education Beyond the Classroom, describes five environmental conservation projects that schools and community groups have conducted with high school youth.The source document includes additional projects for elementary and middle school youth, as well as a list of partnering national organizations.Issue
Excessive solid waste overwhelms municipal landfills, depletes natural resources, and pollutes the environment. School groups and youth organizations have implemented creative methods of educating their communities on better ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle solid waste material while at the same time, young people develop important academic and life skills.Action
SCHOOL PROJECTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Future Homemakers Make a Difference
Students in the Future Homemakers of America club started a progressive solid waste education program in 1992 that continues today. With help from a local company the students designed billboards with environmental messages, as well as informational pamphlets, flyers, and placemats for distribution at schools, grocery stores, and restaurants. Some students wrote newspaper articles about solid waste management issues. Others organized and used a curriculum to teach fellow students, including those with special needs, about solid waste management. They also made presentations to local civic organizations and participated in an adopt-a-highway project.
Contact: Barbara Morgan
Rutledge High School
140 Pioneer Drive
Rutledge, TN 37861
Phone: (865) 828-5291
Lights, Camera,...Recycling!
Students and teachers from two high schools, along with volunteers from local media and educational organizations, joined to produce their own solid waste educational video, 100% Waste Free, designed to appeal to high school students. When presented to student groups, the video was followed with a discussion and activities. It has become part of the introduction presentation given to visitors at the Davis Street Education Center, located next to a recycling facility.
Contact: Mark Spencer, Senior Program Manager
StopWaste.org
2615 Davis Street
San Leandro, CA 94577
E-mail: edcenter@stopwaste.org
Phone: (510) 563-4282
Environmental Warriors Encourage Recycling
During a yearlong service-learning program, students partnered with mentally disabled peers to access and redevelop their school's recycling efforts. They also collected organic materials to implement a new composting program. Additionally, they redesigned the brochure for their town's recycling program.
Contact: Kathy Racette
Waterford High School
20 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385-2894
E-mail:kracette@waterfordschools.org
Phone: (860) 437-6956
COMMUNITY PROJECTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Battery Brigade Educates Community
4-H members staff an exhibit at fairs and other community events several times a year to educate people about proper battery recycling and disposal. The members also put together a calendar using text and artwork from a poster and essay contest they sponsored.
Contact: Shelda Wilkens, 4-H Agent
Seminole County 4-H
250 West County Home Road
Sanford, FL 32773
E-mail: SWilkens@seminolecountyfl.gov
Phone: (407) 665-5557
Contact: Laura Cash, 4-H Extension Agent
Volusia County 4-H
3100 East New York Avenue
DeLand, FL 32724
E-mail: lcash@co.volusia.fl.us
Phone: (386) 822-5778
Students Graduate to Safe Disposal
In an ongoing county program to properly dispose of household hazardous waste, student volunteers learn about solid waste issues and earn credits toward graduation. Although only contractors handle donated materials, volunteers provide necessary support to make the collections possible. After their service, students wrote a reflective statement to meet a graduation requirement for service hours.
Contact: Susanne Brunhart, Manager
Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services: Household Hazardous Waste Collection
101 Monroe Street, 6th Floor
Rockville, Maryland 20850
E-mail: recycle@montgomerycountymd.gov
Phone: (240) 777-6400
Citation
Environmental Protection Agency. Service-Learning: Education Beyond the Classroom. Office of Solid Waste, Washington, D.C. 1997.Outcome
The effects of these projects are multi-faceted, benefitting both the individual students and their communities. Students gain hands-on conservation knowledge, as well as academic and professional skills reinforcement, while becoming involved with community civic processes. Communities receive much-needed environmental service, enhancing their public image and self-esteem.Posted On
July 22, 2002For More Information
Source Documents
Related Practices
Related sites
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Curriculum & Activities
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Teaching Center