Sustainability is an important yet intentionally nebulous word in its definition. Which in turn makes it challenging to educate students in a meaningful manner. Community based learning, a combination of project based and service learning provides an opportunity to educate the next generation of STEM majors in a meaningful manner. A case study of using community based learning in an engineering focused sustainability course will be presented, including data gathered from knowledge probes and guided reflection. In general, students reported finding a greater meaning to their work, than simply a course project, when working in service of a community partner. And, that taking part in a hand on sustainability experience gave them a deeper understanding of what sustainability really is. This case study illustrates the potential for STEM classes to incorporate meaningful sustainability experiences for students.

Meaningful sustainability education through community based learning

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.