Abstract
Service-learning relates to an educational experience that actively involves students in a wide range of activities which can benefit the community significantly. Community-based service activities offer direct application of theoretical models for students in a community setting that allows them to synthesize their knowledge in more meaningful ways. Common goals that can be achieved by service-learning include a deeper understanding of the course material, a wider appreciation of the discipline they have selected, and an elevated sense of civic responsibility. In this service-learning activity, engineering students volunteered to observe the HVAC system of Beverly Farm in Godfrey, Illinois, to improve system efficiency hence providing a more sustainable environment for the residents in terms of both air quality and energy efficiency. This was a very meaningful project for the students as the project site is a caring home for adults with developmental disabilities. As part of this project, heating and cooling systems of the building were improved resulting in enhanced air quality with reduced carbon footprint. 100% of the costs were covered by donations and voluntary service of students, faculty, and engineers from industry. This experience successfully served as a community sustainability project through service-learning.
Presenters
Serdar CelikProfessor, Mechanical Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Illinois, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Education, Assessment and Policy
KEYWORDS
Sustainability, Community outreach, Service learning, Education
