EXAMPLE: SCIENCE SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

AIM: A letter writing campaign to encourage both the citizens and the elected officials of Cranford to support an environmental clean up of a local park.

PROCEDURE:
1. Write a letter explaining in detail the goals of this project. Send it to elected officials and to neighbors, encouraging them to forward the letter to their friends.
2. Perform the clean up, documenting before and after pictures, along with types of trash found and disposal methods.
3. Send a follow-up letter stating your recommendations for future maintenance of the park area.

CONCLUSION: Write a reflective journal. Include copies of all letters, as well as pictures and written observation of the process. Be sure to include your thoughts and hopes for the future.

EXAMPLE: MATH SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

AIM: Analyze the traffic pattern at West End Place and Springfield Avenue. Determine the need for a traffic light.

PROCEDURE: Observe the traffic pattern at the intersection for 7 consecutive days. Make observations (ex: number of cars, number of cars turning, time to pass through intersection) at 7:30am, 8:00am, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, and 8:00pm. Analyze the traffic and compare weekday vs. weekend, morning vs. afternoon and evening, and peak vs. non-peak travel time.

CONCLUSION: Write a letter to the mayor, expressing your findings in terms of tables, photos, charts and graphs. Make specific recommendations of any changes the data suggests. Include a reflection of the impact that your project has had on you and the community.

A POTPOURRI OF IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED

o Initiate a letter writing campaign regarding environmental issues.
o Adopt a park/playground and take responsibility for it over a period of time.
o Videotape and/or teach math or science lessons or activities.
o Analyze the quality of local water/soil and make recommendations.
o Participate in a specific project under the guidance of the Outdoor Education Club, or the SEA.
o Develop and schedule a tutoring program in math/science.
o Research an environmental issue of concern and its impact on Cranford.
o Conduct research and use the information to better inform local groups of how their behavior helps or hinders the environment.
o Participate in a volunteer program in a local hospital.
o Enhance the habitat for wild birds or other animals.
o Design a board game to be shared with elementary students or senior citizens.
o Work with scouts to complete their Math/Science/Technology related badges .
o Participate in a specific project through Mu Alpha Theta, Hand-in-Hand, or other club.
o Form a partnership with an elementary/middle school class and tutor students or present lessons.
o Create a WebQuest relating to math or science.
o Help a non-profit group create/expand a website.
o Teach senior citizens to develop computer skills.
o Create a survey on a local issue, and organize and publish the data.
o Work at Children's Specialized Hospital, Trailside, or Cranford Family Care.
o Other (with approval).

Note: When selecting a service project, consider the need to collect evidence and document participation. Submit the interim report on time (December 1st) to receive suggestions from the faculty review team. Work closely with your math and/or science teacher.