Fostering an Environmental Ethic through Service Learning

This article explores connections between environmental education, public concern for environmental health, and service learning. A 20-item survey was administered to same students at the beginning and end of a 15-week Environmental Health course. Qualitative data were collected from reflective papers based on students involved in community based learning. The findings of the study revealed that students grew in their sense of environmental responsibility; significantly increased their "level of concern" for 18 of the 20 environmental variables measured; and viewed community action as empowering. Conclusion: Students' participation in an Environmental Health course and engagement in service learning increased their overall support for a variety of environmental issues