Projects for Waste Reduction in an Intro to Engineering Course

The topic of discussion: The main objective of this project in our introduction to engineering course was to find ways of reducing waste, reusing material, and recycling. Service learning is a form of experiential learning. Students use their classroom learning and apply the course concepts to address the needs identified by the service learning project. Service learning experiences are organized for students to learn and apply skills and knowledge related to course learning objectives. Methodologies: Service learning is a teaching method that combines academic coursework with practical applications to address challenges through service projects. It focuses on critical thinking to develop students' academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community. Service learning strengthens critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills, and promotes student personal and social growth and leadership development. Preliminary results (if any): Service learning projects need to incorporate at least one service project or experience that is tied to course learning. The service learning project has to be required for all students, not just for extra credit. The service learning project must have defined project requirements or defined number of hours in the 25 to 45-hour range. The service learning project must be a good fit with the learning objectives of a specific course. The time commitment and skills needed should be aligned with the course goals and student learning objectives. Expected outcomes: Students should become more aware of recycling and sustainability needs for the future. Innovation is the exploitation of change as an opportunity for a business or service. Landfills are reaching capacity and need to be replaced, incinerators are being shut down as a result of citizen's health concerns, and the cost of community waste disposal has increased. We implemented service learning in the course MENG 1101 Introduction to Engineering. Students formed groups of three to five students and worked on their projects related to sustainability. We had activities for the students to fulfill each week of the semester. At the end of the semester student groups did a presentation and wrote a paper on their project.