BIOL 172 - Service Learning in Biology (S)

3 Credit(s)

Students design and offer in-person science educational enrichment sessions to enhance understanding of urban ecology, gardening, food security, health, and well-being to elementary school children in Chester. We will collaborate with 5th grade classes and their teachers at Stetser Elementary School, which is across the street from Widener. Stetser’s 22 raised-bed school garden provides a context for learning that addresses many science education, wellness, and community health goals – our course theme is “raised beds raise hopes.” The goals and content of these enrichment sessions are closely aligned with ongoing Stetser Elementary School curricula and are based on the content areas of the curricula in biology and environmental science (ecology, evolution, plant and animal structure and function). These science enrichment sessions constitute experiential academic service learning for our students.

3 hours per week. This course counts as 3 science elective credits toward the A&S science distribution requirements for non-science majors. NOTE: PA Clearances are required for any in-person activities in schools.