New service learning course offered spring semester

A new course, NRM 497/697, Natural Resource Service Learning Independent Study, offers students opportunities to partner with local K-12 teachers.

Students will facilitate K-12 classroom lesson plans and activities using an interdisciplinary STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) approach. The course is tied to OneTree Alaska, an education, outreach and research project that uses the boreal forest as a springboard for active, place-based learning. OneTree Alaska is a program of the UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences.

Jan Dawe works with a middle schooler on a OneTree Alaska activity.

One Tree takes an integrated approach to learning. University students from diverse disciplines are invited to bring their unique perspectives to K-12 classrooms as service learners. They will be paired with teachers to customize and implement OneTree activities.

Each service learner will spend at least 10 hours in the classroom during spring semester and meet for one hour each week (proposed time 8 to 9 a.m. on Wednesdays in O'Neill 356). Participants will also need to attend sessions one or two Saturdays per month to meet with teachers and prepare classroom materials.

For more information, contact Jan Dawe at 907-388-1772.