ESRM100

Service Learning Spring 2022

photo credit: https://oceanrefresh.com/

Environmental service learning is intended to introduce students to environmental activities undertaken by government, non-profit, or private organizations. Service learning includes volunteer participation in environmentally-related restoration or education projects, assisting a public agency with resource monitoring, attendance at public meetings related to environmental policy issues, and more! The video at the right showcases two beach cleanups and students assisting with the Green Generation's Earth Day event on our campus.

A fun video of service learning from a previous year - without COVID.

Eight volunteer hours and a reflection are required for class credit. Service learning opportunities are posted on this ESRM100 Google Site. The reflection is a 3-page paper with pictures or 5-6 minutes video reflecting on student experiences. Students are welcome to join events that are not posted here, but they must have an environmental focus – if you are unsure, please check with the instructor.

Due to COVID restrictions, service learning opportunities will be structured different from previous years. First, there will be many opportunities that students can complete from home! Second, outdoor activities will be limited to individuals (or groups that are quarantined together) and small groups of participants. Third, many options will be self-paced and do not occur at a scheduled time. With improvements in COVID infection rates and vaccines, you may start seeing group opportunities. These are NOT required. You can complete your Service Learning directly from your house if desired. However, if you do decide to join in on a group activity please stay safe and follow all guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), State of California, and the group organizer. If you feel unsafe at any point, please do stop and leave the activity.

If you choose not to do service learning, you may do an extension of your term paper instead – an Extended Term Paper. Your term paper will then be 10 pages in length with 10 references, 7 peer-reviewed.

Please see the specific criteria listed on our Canvas Assignment. Here are three Ground Rules we want to highlight from those criteria:

1. In the reflection, every event must include at least two photos - at the beginning of the event and at the end of the event.

2. If you are submitting a video reflection, you must include footage or photos from the event. The reflection video does not remove this requirement.

3. No more than 4 hours of Service Learning can be completed through self-guided apps (e.g., Clean Swell). Include data submitted through the app in your reflection.