Service Based Learning at Osborn Elementary School
Friday, January 25th 10:30-12:30.

Activity Descriptions:  To be added later.

Summary Due: January 31st.

Description of the process:

1. Plan to help prepare materials, review background information and prepare explanations/presentations, and practice the activities for elementary students before the scheduled date.  Also, read the list of topics to address in your reflective paper so you can get ideas/answers to these while you in the classroom.

2.  Perform the exercises/experiments with students on the scheduled day.  This may take place outside of regularly scheduled class time.

3.  Soon after this experience (see due date in schedule), please write an approximately 2 page reflective summary. You should address the following information in well organized, paragraph, type-written form. Do NOT simply write questions (bullets) followed by answers.  Organize your thoughts into a coherent paper.   You will be graded on the quality (not simply quantity) of the analysis as well as your ability to communicate your thoughts effectively in writing (grammar, spelling, organization, etc.).  Know what you want to try to accomplish (see questions below) before you go! 

Things you should address in your paper:

• Please provide the location, grade level, date, and time where you performed your activity.
• What were your expectations or preconceptions prior to doing this service-based learning activity regarding: (a) students abilities and backgrounds in science (b) your abilities and background in science?  Has your view about your abilities or the students' abilities changed? 
• What did you do?  What was the most challenging part?  What was the most rewarding part?  What modifications would you make and why?
• Based only on your short visit, do you think that science is being adequately covered/addressed/incorporated in the classroom you visited?  Why or why not?
• What did you learn from this experience that you can use in your future career?  What personal qualities (challenges) do you need to improve to be a more successful science educator?  How do you plan to make this happen?  What are your strengths and how will you use them?