FAQ: Environmental Education and Service-Learning

Information Specialists at the Learn and Serve America National
Service-Learning Clearinghouse have been compiling lists of resources to
answer questions frequently asked by callers on our toll-free number
(1-800-808-7378).  Each week one question is shared with
service-learning listservs, along with a list of resources we have
compiled for that question.  If anyone is aware of information on a
specific program or any another valuable resource not listed with an
FAQ, we would greatly appreciate hearing about it on the listserv and we
will add it to our growing list of resources.

This week’s question:
“What organizations and materials are available to assist me as I
combine service-learning with environmental education?”

Organizations

Earth Force
1908 Mt. Vernon Ave, 2nd Flr., Alexandria VA 22301; Phone: 703-299-9400
Email: earthforce@earthforce.org; URL: http://www.earthforce.org
Earth Force is youth-driven with a national Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
made up of 15 members, ages 10-17. The YAB helps develop and implement
Earth Force programs. Through Earth Force, youth discover and implement
lasting solutions to environmental issues in their community. In the
process they develop life-long habits of active citizenship and
environmental stewardship. Educators turn to Earth Force for innovative
tools to engage young people in community problem solving.

Eco Education
275 East Fourth Street #821, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 651-222-7691; E-mail: ecoed@minn.net; URL:
http://www.blacktop.com/ecoeducation
Eco Education is a nonprofit organization committed to making
environmental education relevant to urban learners and to helping them
address their unique environmental concerns.

Give Water a Hand
216 Agriculture Hall, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706
Phone: 800-928-3720, Email: erc@uwex.edu, URL:
http://www.uwex.edu/erc/index.html
Give Water A Hand is national watershed education program designed to
involve young people in local environmental service projects.

National Association of Service & Conservation Corps (NASCC)
666 11th Street, N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-737-6272; URL: http://www.nascc.org/
NASCC unites and supports youth corps as a preeminent strategy for
achieving the nation's youth development, community service and
environmental restoration goals.

National Tree Trust
1120 G Street NW, Suite 770, Washington DC 20005
Phone: 202-628-8733; Email: nationaltreetrust.org; URL:
http://www.nationaltreetrust.org
The NTT mobilizes volunteer groups, promotes public awareness, provides
grants, and unites civic and corporate institutions in support of local
tree planting and education projects throughout the United States.  One
of their programs, Growing Together, educates and involves
pre-kindergarten through 6th-grade school children in the growth and
planting of trees in their communities.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA)
PO Box 550, Charlestown NH, 03603
Phone: 603-543-1700; Email: ask-us@sca-inc.org; URL:
http://www.sca-inc.org/
SCA is America's largest and oldest provider of national and community
conservation service opportunities, outdoor education and career
training for youth.  SCA volunteers and interns annually perform more
than one million hours of conservation service in national parks,
forests, refuges, and urban areas in all 50 states.

YMCA Earth Service Corps National Resource Center
909 Fourth Ave., Seattle WA 98104; Phone: 206-382-5013 x5095; URL:
http://www.yesc.org
YMCA Earth Service Corps is a service-learning program for teens ready
to make a difference in their communities. Grounded on the building
blocks of leadership development, environmental education and action,
and cross-cultural awareness, this proven program works in diverse
communities and allows teens to use their talents, develop new skills
and learn more about themselves and their surroundings. YMCA Earth
Service Corps is operating in 111 YMCAs in 30 states and continues to be
a fast growing national program for the YMCA.


Publications

**Note: References cited below with an ED (ERIC document) number are
available in ERIC can be purchased through EDRS at:
https://orders.edrs.com/Webstore/Default.cfm or by calling 800-443-3742
(If you have access to a college/university library they may have these
items on microfiche, ask your librarian.)

Title: Take a Class Outdoors: a Guidebook for Environmental
Service-Learning.
Authors: Linda Clifton; Rebekah Falker
Date Published: 1998
Number of Pages: 27
Where to Obtain this Resource: National Dropout Prevention Center,
Clemson University, 205 Martin St, Box 345111, Clemson SC 29634-5111;
Phone: 864-656-2599; URL: http://www.dropoutprevention.org/
Abstract: This guide was written by the principal, a teacher, and a
former student from Booneville Middle School in Mississippi. Booneville
Middle School has integrated an environmental service-learning program
for their fifth through eighth grade classes. The guide provides
information on how to implement such a program into a curriculum from
the perspective of the teacher and administrator. The guides also
features the student's perspective.

Title: Training Student Organizers Curriculum, Revised Edition.
Author: Michael Zamm
Date Published: 1990
Number of Pages: 260
Where to Obtain this Resource: EDRS -- ERIC number is ED328424; or
Council on the Environment of New York City, 51 Chambers St, Rm 228, New
York NY 10007; Phone: 212-788-7900; Fax: 212-788-7913; Email:
conyc@cenyc.org; URL: www.cenyc.org
Abstract: Between 1979 and June 1990, the Training Student Organizers
(TSO) Program has motivated nearly 7,400 students and their teachers to
organize over 260 environmental improvement projects serving their
schools and neighborhoods in the New York City area. The projects run
the gamut from clean up campaigns, murals and letter writing efforts to
energy conservation. This document presents the curriculum from the TSO
Program including lessons on many topics including energy conservation,
solid wastes, water, air, open space beautification and preservation,
noise pollution, nuclear energy and transportation; and teaching
suggestions and process goals including "The Rationale for Citizen
Participation," "Needs Assessment and Project Selection," "Project
Planning and Initial Field Organizing," "Project Monitoring and Ongoing
Participation Strategies," "Evaluation," and "Letter Writing and
Petitioning" (ERIC).

Title: Acting Locally: Concepts and Models for Service Learning in
Environmental Studies
Author: Harold Ward
Date Published: 1999
Number of Pages: 214
Notes: AAHE's series on service-learning in the disciplines.
Where to Obtain this Resource: American Association for Higher
Education, Publications Order Desk, Box WES7, One Dupont Circle, Suite
360, Washington DC 20036-1110; Phone: 202-293-6440 x11; Email:
info@aahe.org; URL: www.aahe.org
Abstract: Acting Locally: Concepts and Models for Service-Learning in
Environmental Studies contains sixteen articles from practitioners from
a range of colleges, universities, and one community college, who are
involved in Environmental Studies Service-Learning (ES/SL) programs. The
authors describe the programs and/or courses in their schools by
including a brief history of the program, class objectives and agendas,
and impacts on students, teachers, and the community. Many authors also
address more practical considerations such as student assessment and
timelines. The appendix includes a bibliography and biographies of
contributing authors.

Title: Discovering the World of Community Service Learning: Conservation
and Environment Service Learning Project Manual.
Author: Pennsylvania Inst. for Environmental and Community Service
Learning
Date Published: 1992
Number of Pages: 8
Where to Obtain this Resource: Institute for Service Learning, 64 Lempa
Rd, Holland PA 18966; Phone: 215-357-5861
Abstract: Discovering the World of Community Service Learning series,
also known as the "Service Learning Detective" series, is designed to
get students out of the classroom and into the community to investigate
problems and develop strategies for solving them. This manual assists
students choosing to work on environmental issues after completing the
initial Detective Casebook. Project steps include documenting the
service performed and reflection.

Title: Environmental Service Learning.
Author: Kirk Brown
Date Published: 1998
Number of Pages: 46
Where to Obtain this Resource: Tree Trust, 6300 Walker Street, St. Louis
Park MN 55416; Phone: 612-920-9326; Email:
treetrust@willow.ncfes.umn.edu
Abstract: This guide provides information to teachers about how and why
to start an environmental service learning program. Includes a list of
resources on environmental service learning.

Title: National Partners: Service Learning and Environmental Education.
Author: Mississippi State Department of Education
Date Published: 1996
Number of Pages: 43
Where to Obtain this Resource: Mississippi Department of Education,
Office of Community and Outreach Services, PO Box 771, Jackson MS
39205-0771; Phone: 601-359-3598; Email: gbowering@mde.k12.ms.us; URL:
www.mdek12.state.ms.us
Abstract: The purpose of the publication is to introduce
service-learning as a teaching methodology, define environmental
education, and demonstrate how service-learning and environmental
education can be interrelated. Contains lesson plans to help teachers
integrate hands-on projects.

Title: Teacher's Guide to Environmental Service Learning.
Author: Harry C. Silcox
Date Published: 1995
Number of Pages: 39
Where to Obtain this Resource: Brighton Press, Inc., 64 Lempa Rd,
Holland PA 18966; Phone: 215-357-5861; URL: www.brightonpress.com
Abstract: This guide describes three types of environmental
service-learning projects: conservation/preservation, energy audits, and
environmental monitoring/technological education. Projects in each area
are details and academic links are clearly defined.

Title: Topic Bibliography on Sources Related to Service and the
Environment.
Authors: Robin C. Vue-Benson; Robert Shumer
Date Published: 1994
Number of Pages: 5
Where to Obtain this Resource:
http://www.nicsl.coled.umn.edu/res/bibs/envi.html; or National Service
Learning Clearinghouse, R460 VoTech Ed Bldg, 1954 Buford Ave, University
of Minnesota, St Paul MN 55108-6197; Phone: 800-808-7378; Email:
serve@tc.umn.edu; URL: http://www.nicsl.coled.umn.edu/
Abstract: Lists resources providing information about service learning
in environmental education.

ERIC No: ED432478
Title: YMCA Earth Service Corps Club Handbook.
Date Published: 1998
Number of Pages: 73
Where to Obtain this Resources: http://www.yesc.org/training.cfm; or
YMCA Earth Service Corps National Resource Center, 909 Fourth Ave.,
Seattle WA 98104; Phone: 206-382-5013 x5095; URL: http://www.yesc.org
Abstract: This handbook provides Young Men's Christian Association
(YMCA) Earth Service Corps club leaders and advisors with ideas for
structuring clubs and service-learning projects. Activities and
suggestions help to plan out the year, and improve service projects and
club meetings. Contents include: (1) "What is YMCA Earth Service
Corps?"; (2) "The Four Program Components"; (3) "A Recipe for Starting
Your Own Earth Service Corps Club"; (4) "The Earth Service Corps
Partnership"; (5) "Club Development"; (6) "Introduction to Weekly Club
Outlines"; (7) "Fundraising"; (8) "Service Learning"; (9) "Leadership
Development"; (10) "Environmental Education"; (11) "Planning
Service-Learning Projects"; (12) "Community/Environmental Resource
Mapping"; (13) "Cross-Cultural Awareness"; (14) "Evaluating Your Club";
and (15) "Evaluating This Handbook." An appendix includes a YMCA parent
information sheet. (CCM)

ERIC No: ED402112
Title: YES Youth Environmental Service: Technical Assistance Package.
Date Published: 1996
Pages: 68
Where to Obtain this Resource: http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles/yestap.pdf;
or Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse/NCJRS, P.O. Box 6000, Rockville, MD
20849-6000; phone or FAX: 800/638-8736.
Abstract: The Youth Environmental Service (YES) aims to rehabilitate
adjudicated delinquents and to prevent at-risk youth from entering the
juvenile justice system by engaging them in environmental work and
education programs on federally owned land. YES is a joint program of
the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Key elements of the program
are involvement of at-risk or delinquent youth; a partnership between a
youth-serving agency and a federal land management agency; availability
of federal land; a provider experienced in working effectively with
at-risk or delinquent youth; a clear allocation of responsibilities; and
the provision of meaningful opportunities for youth to learn new skills,
develop a sense of accomplishment, and make contributions to the
environment. This document includes an overview of the YES initiative;
what the program can offer; developing YES partnerships; steps to
becoming a YES site; implementation issues; technical assistance
resources from OJJDP and DOI, including required information sharing;
federal contacts for the program; and resources for further assistance.
Appendices include the memorandum of understanding between the U.S.
Department of Justice and DOI, profiles of YES programs in action,
definitions, sample memorandums of understanding and agreement,
information on state resources, a list of contacts at current YES sites,
and a technical assistance request form. (TD)

ERIC No: ED384531
Title: Urban Environmental Education. The Environmental Education
Toolbox--EE Toolbox Workshop Resource Manual.
Author: Frank, Jeffrey; Zamm, Michael
Date Published: 1994
Pages: 59
Abstract: This manual is for workshop leaders who want to help educators
explore the urban environment with their students and highlights key
details distinguishing urban environmental education from environmental
education (EE) in other settings. While the examples used emphasize
formal education, this is also useful outside the classroom. The unit
provides an introduction to EE and discusses student populations and
where to conduct urban EE. Three alternative approaches to teaching EE
in urban areas are examined. The approaches include: (1) studies of the
natural environment; (2) studies of the built environment; and (3)
service learning and action projects. Ideas for implementing EE appear
in four program case studies and in nine activities for teacher
workshops. A "Resources" section offers 29 resources for further
information including educational materials, organizations, and
literature appropriate for each of the three approaches. (LZ)

Title: Give Water a Hand Action Guide and Leader Guidebook
Author: University of Wisconsin Board of Regents
Date Published: 1995
Number of Pages: Action Guide: 70 pp.; Leader Guidebook: 36 pp.
Where to Obtain this Resource: http://www.uwex.edu/erc/down.htm; or
University of Wisconsin Extension, Cooperative Extension, Environmental
Resources Center, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Madison WI
53706; Phone: 800-928-3720
Abstract: Students in grades 4-8 can use this guide to explore the
topics of water and water conservation within a community, while
conducting an environmental community service project. The Action Guide
students in observing, researching needs, mapping a watershed, asking
experts for help, choosing a project, planning, staying on track and
celebrating success. The leader's guide provides an overview, goals for
each step of the project, service learning strategies, leader's skills,
possible project partners and tips for adapting the project to other
audiences.

Title: Animal Tracks Habitat Action Pack.
Authors: Rhonda Lucas Donald; Marsh A. Lakes Matyas
Date Published: 1998
Number of Pages: 81
Note: Northern Forest, Urban, Water, and Wetlands Action Packs are also
available
Where to Obtain this Resource: http://www.nwf.org/atracks/nwfpdf.html;
National Wildlife Federation, 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna VA 22184;
Phone: 800-822-9919, 703-790-4000; Email: hodges@nwf.org; URL:
http://www.nwf.org
Abstract: These lesson plans make up an introductory environmental
habitat unit for educators working with students in grades k-8. There
are four sections to the guide. The discovery section provides a quick
look at background of habitats. The awareness section contains indoor
and outdoor activities. The action section uses step by step guidelines
for environmental action and service learning projects to help students
go to the next level in understanding complex issues. The appendix
contains references and resources to help educators plan the unit.

Title: Making a Difference: Service Learning as a Solid Waste Education
Experience.
Author: Environmental Protection Agency
Date Published: 1998
Number of Pages: 22
Where to Obtain this Resource: Environmental Protection Agency, Office
of Solid Waste, 401 M Street SW Mailstop 5305W, Washington, DC 20460;
Phone: 703-308-9386.
Abstract: The publication includes descriptions and contact people for
17 environmental service learning projects. The examples come from
throughout the United States and are performed by elementary and middle
school students. They range from environmental cleanup projects to
production of media forms to educate local people to studies on waste
disposal in their communities. The author also includes contact
information and descriptions of organizations to help implement service
learning and environmental cleanup. (SH)

We hope this information is helpful.

Andrea Roufs
Information Specialist
Learn and Serve America
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
1-800-808-7378
http://umn.edu/~serve

**If you need assistance implementing service-learning programs, have
questions, or simply want to speak with someone who has "been there,"
you can utilize the Learn and Serve America Exchange as a resource. For
more information contact: 1-877-572-3924 or visit their website at
www.lsaexchange.org.