Teaching the Value of Wetlands Including Soil Processes Using a Service-Learning Approach.

In coastal Louisiana, it is assumed there is a fundamental understanding of wetland functions and values as much of the public is invovled in recreastional activities either in or near wetlands including fishing, hunting, boating and trapping. A university, senior-level course on Wetlands and Water Quality has investigated the public view of wetlands as well as understanding of wetland functions by high school students through several service-learning activities designed to engage the public, and provide the universtiy students to "teach what has been learned" while strengthening their own educational experience. The tenets of Service-Learning are described by the National Service Learning Clearinghouse, as a “a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. The two primary engagement activities including visiting an underresourced school and teaching about wetland functions and developing a survey that was then carreid out by the students to see what the public values about wetland functions, including inportant wetland soil functions including carbon sequestration, denitrificaiton processes to improve water quality and providing a physical barrier from tropical cyclones. The approach will be outlined and student reflections and feedback will be presented.