SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

           “Be The Change You Want To See In the World” (Ghandi)

Here’s the scoop: Work alone or in pairs, but keep in mind you both get the same grade regardless of who does the most work.  If you want a partner, choose wisely.

        The goals are 1) IDENTIFY an environmental issue, 2) LEARN MORE about the subject of your choice, and 3) ACCOMPLISH something.

       You will need to do a presentation regarding your project.  It must include background/historical research regarding your environmental issue, visual aids, and a discussion.  I’ll give you a rubric for your presentation when you’re ready.

      If your project involves a volunteer time donation to participate in a remediation activity, a minimum 8-hour requirement is necessary.  The hours must be documented, verifiable, and not be used to fill any other volunteer requirements ex: NHS.

     Until you complete your project and finish your presentation, you will provide me with an update of the work that has been accomplished in accordance with the schedule provided at the beginning of the school year.  Each update is worth 8 points and must include names and phone numbers of people contacted regarding your project.

       No matter your topic, you need to provide me with the names and phone numbers of the people you interacted with when you are finished so I can verify your project.  (...and just so we’re on the same page, I don't consider your friends to be good authenticity references; too much conflict of interest...)  Use a parent or the representative of a given organization.

          This project is the biggest one you will do for me this year.  Getting a good start on it and making monthly progress can help your grade tremendously!

Presentation Rubric: 45 points

Background/historical research:  Tell us the reason why you picked what you picked and give a historical background of your topic.  (ex: say you volunteered at a recycling plant.  Tell us when recycling was begun in this country, how much of our waste is estimated to be currently recycled, how different products are recycled, the processes, etc.) 10 Points

Visual aids/teaching:  Don’t just stand up there and talk.  Give us something interesting to look at.  If you have a handout that would be useful for this class, make a copy for everyone.  If you have photos, make an overhead or enlarge it in some way so we can all see it.  Use a poster board if necessary. 10 Points

Discussion:  This should take about 5-10 minutes if it’s done properly.  Tell us what you did, when you did it, where, who was involved, how they felt about the project… 5 Points

Cool New Stuff You Found Out:  Cool new stuff you found out as a result of doing your project.  Duh.  5 Points

Documentation/Verifiable Info:  Prove to me that you actually did what you say you did.  Your project must be verified by an outside source that I will contact.   Make sure you have a name and a phone number.   10 Points

Met all draft deadlines, progressed by report dates, showed some spark/enthusiasm during presentation.  5 Points