Service learning in science education: A valuable and useful endeavor for biology majors

All college students can benefit from becoming more engaged in their local community. This is especially true for biology majors who can play an active role in enhancing science education opportunities for students in the local K-12 school system. One such service-learning (SL) opportunity is presented where Nova Southeastern University college students work together with local schools by engaging young students in the excitement of hands-on science learning. This type of SL activity is beneficial to all those involved. College students gain valuable public speaking experience while learning how to explain potentially complex scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way. School students gain a varied learning experience and access to role models attending college. Elementary school teachers get some much appreciated support in bringing hands-on science opportunities to their students. College faculty are able to play a positive role providing a community need in their own children\u27s school or a local neighborhood school