Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning is a core part of a student’s education. Educators are tasked with finding engaging ways to get students interested in STEM learning starting as early as kindergarten and into high school. Beyond initial engagement, it is also essential for students to find ways to connect lessons to real-world experiences and issues.
One effective way to get students excited about STEM and think critically about how these lessons connect to the world around them is through STEM community service projects. The seamless connection between STEM learning and community service opportunities acts as an enrichment to students’ educational experience, sparking additional passion for the subject and community. In this article, we will review a variety of different community service opportunities in STEM that educators and parents can recommend to their students/children.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Tech Access Initiatives
Technology is a huge part of daily life – in the classroom, at work, and at home. This access is something that can, for some, be taken for granted. One great way to get engaged in community service is to engage in activities to provide technology to all, creating opportunities for technology literacy regardless of other factors.
Below are ideas for how to engage in technology community service:
- Refurbish Old Computers: Get students engaged by refurbishing old computers for low-income schools and community centers. This gives students a chance to understand computers on a more technical level and provides opportunities for other students to engage with computer-based learning who may not typically have that opportunity.
- Technology Tutoring: At local community centers or after school programs, students can give back to their community by tutoring those who are younger than them. This mentorship and guidance can be extremely impactful, making the difference between a student continuing on a STEM path and choosing to go a different direction.
- Website Development for Nonprofits and Community Organizations: One of the best ways to build a skill is through hands-on practice. Students can build their website development and coding skills by building websites for non-profit and community organizations.
Environmental Conservation Efforts
The changing environment is a very important, timely real-world connection to STEM learning. One way to get students involved in society for the betterment of future generations is through environmentally focused community service projects.
Below are environmental conservation efforts for students to exercise their STEM skills productively.
- Community Gardening: Through community gardening, students can provide families with free produce. It is also an opportunity for them to further their understanding of ecosystems and what makes for a successful greenhouse.
- Educate Your Community: Through posters, flyers, presentations, and other community outreach activities, students can spread awareness about community-focused STEM issues. For example, students could initiate a community-wide recycling program to get all households actively involved in recycling efforts.
- Host Beach and Park Clean-Ups: Littering harms the environment in a variety of different ways, having both short and long-term effects. Students can host beach and park clean-up parties in their community. During the event, they can provide facts and knowledge about the negative impact of littering, deterring the behavior in the future.
STEM Education for All Ages
Introducing STEM early in education can have a lasting impact on a student’s confidence and passion for the subject. As older, passionate learners in the community, there are a variety of ways to give back to the younger generation of STEM learners.
Below are ways to get students of all ages engaged in STEM learning.
- Host a Community Science Fair: Older high school students can host a community science fair for middle school and elementary school-aged students. This local activity can get students of all ages interested in STEM learning in a fun, competitive environment.
- Join a STEM Mentorship Program: Mentorship programs are an extremely beneficial way for STEM students to get guidance and support from someone with different insights and perspectives. By joining a STEM mentorship program in their community, students can help lead younger students, providing the support they need to excel in STEM.
Citizen Science Projects
Citizen science is the collection and analysis of data done by the general public in partnership with professional scientists. This community involvement and engagement in experiments helps scientists collect diverse data in a more timely manner, enhancing the results and takeaways. As a student who is passionate about STEM and wants to get involved in the community, citizen science projects are a great option.
There are a variety of potential citizen science projects students can participate in connected to their community, state, and/or nation. For example, students can help provide images to enhance online map features, submit water samples to assist in water quality research or track and provide weather information for their town. These are some of the many ways students can get involved in citizen science projects to better understand how STEM impacts the world around them.
The Ripple Effect of STEM Service
When students get engaged in STEM community service projects, they are improving their STEM literacy skills while understanding the impact on their community. This real-world connection between STEM learning and community service helps prepare students to join the community as active members who are prepared to solve problems, collaborate, and build a better future.
