Workshop One
Integrating Service-Learning into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines
Workshop Leader: Dr. Mary Beth Lima
Workshop Description: This workshop will guide participants through a process to integrate service-learning into courses in technical disciplines. Topics include a summary of current successful service-learning programs in STEM disciplines, methods to integrate service-learning into technical courses, and interactive exercises to assist STEM practitioners with service-learning issues in technical disciplines, including implementing meaningful reflection strategies, funding service-learning projects, and addressing liability issues. Participants completing this workshop will be able to summarize successful service-learning practices in STEM disciplines and will be armed with the tools to successfully implement service-learning in their courses.
Dr. Mary Beth Lima Biography: Marybeth Lima is a Professor in Biological & Agricultural Engineering at Louisiana State University, a registered professional engineer, and a certified playground safety inspector. Lima has been working with the Baton Rouge community for nine years to ensure that all kids have access to safe, fun, accessible playgrounds that the kids help to design. She believes that play is a right and not a privilege, and that children are the best playground designers; these beliefs have guided her service-learning teaching and research work with elementary school and college students and the larger community. She is the recipient of the 2007 Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service-Learning, the 2005 Ernest A. Lynton Award for Faculty Professional Service & Academic Outreach, and the 2004 Gulf South Summit Award for Outstanding Contributions to Service-Learning in Higher Education. Lima writes and speaks widely on service-learning issues, and is the co-author of the textbook Service-Learning: Engineering in Your Community. She and her partner Lynn Hathaway enjoy swimming and playing with their animals.
