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Service Learning
Although environmental education programs
can lead to appropriate environmental actions, a host of
challenges prevent most teachers from achieving this goal.
Complementary programs have been developed to bridge the
gap. Service Learning, widely supported by school systems
and youth groups as a technique to build society-ready citizens
and improve local communities is a natural complement to
4-H and environmental education programs. (definition
of service learning) Learn and Serve grants are available
in every state to support service learning activities, and
many state and federal agencies provide support in the form
of staff assistance and resource conservation projects for
youth. Give Water a Hand and Give Forests a Hand are two
programs developed by the Cooperative Extension Service
to promote youth community service projects. Earth Force
coordinates a variety of environmental service learning
programs, including after-school activities. Many 4-H Project
Books include challenges that are also service learning.
Rather than merely conducting a project or volunteering
with an agency, good service learning engages the youth
in exploring the issue or topic with local experts, planning
a strategy for conducting their project, reflecting on the
process of their activity, and celebrating their success.
By working in their own community, with local experts, youth
build skills and improve their environment.
Service Learning
Programs
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