Magical Service-Learning Projects in Your Classroom

Planning involves designing the project and setting measureable goals.
Learners brainstorm possible steps and use problem solving and effective communication to come to consensus on steps and shared responsibilities.
This is the stage for establishing connections with partners.
While planning, ask the following questions:
- What will we accomplish?
- Who will we work with?
- What training, skills, or sensitivity are required for us or our partners?
- What resources do we need and how will we get them? (Tools, permission, transportation, supplies, money)
- How long will each step take?

Planning—Environmental Science Example

A student in a high school environmental science class created a report about glacial melting over a fifty-year time period. The class discussion led them to choosing to take action by telling others how to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. They worked together to make a plan.
They decided their goal was to research specific ways people could reduce their carbon footprint and share the information with as many people as possible.
They decided to create a print information brochure to send home by email to all the families in their district. They decided to offer a energy home audit for seniors in the community.
They found funders to help them cover the costs of energy home audits.
They decided who would do what (student roles, teacher roles, and role of partners).