Service Learning

A Unit of The Center of Teaching & Learning Excellence

Potential Service-Learning Projects

The service-learning projects listed below represent the scope of projects requested by our community partners. To add a project or to find out more about a project, please email us at servicelearning@northgeorgia.edu

Project

 

Description

 

Major / Area of Interest

 
Up & Out After School Up & Out After School operates at Rock Creek Sports Complex from 3-6pm Monday -Friday providing a variety of activities for children K-8th grade. We will also have a Summer Camp during the break this summer for children entering K-8th grade
Education, Health and Physical Education
After School Program in Dawson County The after school program is geared for both elementary and middle school aged children- right now our children range in age from K to 6th grade. We offer homework help and completion, sports/recreation activities, art, dance and science activities once a week and during early release days.
Art, Art Education, Education, Dance, Health and Physical Education, Natural Sciences
Silver Sneakers
A program for seniors who have insurance coverage with United Health Care, Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield. (approx. 400+ clients in the Lumpkin County area) needs certified volunteer/s to instruct the class and we could make it a college project to test the before and after, tracking the results etc.
Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education
Bike Rodeo
Teaching bicycle safety and maintenance at local schools
Education, Health and Physical Education
LCMS After School Program
Lumpkin County Schools received the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant to implement an after school program at the middle school.
Art, Education, English, Math, Music, Physical Science, Natural Sciences
2009 Homeless Count
The timing is to conduct the actual count on the last weekend of January; however, there is much to be done to prepare for the event. For the sake of accuracy, it's important that rural counties be included. Lumpkin County has yet to participate, primarily because rural homelessness presents its own challenges. The population often goes unnoticed because of opportunities to stay with relatives or camp in obscure places. However, there are resources and training available to meet the concerns.
Mathematics
Projects at Cedar Hill

WOODLAND – Walking tour map of campus – create computer generated map labeling plants and trees on tour; update markers for Cosmic Walk and clear garden.

GARDENS – In an effort to educate community in a new way of thinking about the emerging locavore concept (eating locally and in season) Cedar Hill needs to have the following done to help expedite workshops/classes-

  • Rebuild several raised beds in vegetable/herb garden
  • Build new compost bins
  • Research seed saving for items grown in gardens

Propagation Program - will need a second greenhouse constructed (have plans & majority of materials on site); a covered area with shelf-type stands to hold seedlings that need to be moved out of greenhouses; a “potting station” built where plants/trees from Cedar Hill campus can be potted; research propagation methods for plants on campus

Ongoing education programs – need to label plants in educational garden; design and implement sun garden within educational garden with drought tolerant and native plants; design and implement eco-friendly walkway for educational garden

Earth Literacy programs – research data to support curriculum outline for eco-workshops, create PowerPoint presentation such as:

  • “Eating Locally, Eating In Season” – track 4 basic food items purchased by an average family to see how far they travel, what it takes and how much it costs to get to the supermarket.  What is the bottom line when choosing locally grown food as opposed to globe-trotting food?  Are there health effects?  How does it affect the local community’s economy?
  • “Green Clean” – non-toxic products and household items that can be used in place of toxic cleaning products...how do they work?  Why are they better?  Are they readily available?
  • “No Child Left Inside” – what are the effects of children sitting in front of the television or video game for 6 hours a day?  What effect does it have on their learning?  What effect does it have on health issues?
 
Art, Biology, Computer Science, Education, English,
Reading to the Dogs
Through Pet Enabled Therapy Services (PETS), local school children are given the opportunity to advance their reading comprehension skills by reading to an unlikely audience...dogs.
Early Childhood Education
Art in the Park
Work with local arts community to recruit artists (professional and amateur) to develop temporary sculptures made from local natural objects (in the spirit of Andy Goldsworthy) within the bounds of the Yahoola Creek Trails.  Develop a format whereby artists/artist groups can sign-up by months.  Line up artists and build the structure for an ongoing, year-round program.  Work with participating artists to develop promotional materials including bios and press releases with teasers for the work they plan to create.  Coordinate closely with The Dahlonega Nugget to make this a monthly feature. Develop script, film, edit and post a video on YouTube that documents and describes the Art in the Park project.
Art, Art-Marketing, Business-Marketing, English, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science
Documentation of History and Traditional Land Use at Yahoola Creek Park
Interview and document in some form (video, document, scrapbook, photo collection, PowerPoint, audio recordings, web site) historical documents and individuals with knowledge of the McDonald Farm where the park now exists
Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Education, English, History, Psychology, Sociology
Habitat Enhancement
Identify invasive alien plant species at the Yahoola Creek Trails.  Research best management practices for removal, and remove as much as time allows.  Research and recommend restoration plantings. / Identify problem areas along Yahoola Creek at the Yahoola Creek Trails.  Research best management practices for stream habitat enhancements.  Organize and lead volunteer effort to restore habitat. / Research and identify needs of native bird species, and appropriately construct and place nesting boxes throughout Yahoola Creek Park. / Assess needs for discovery pond enhancement; place stones, remove/transplant/introduce plants as needed; create additional pond habitat.
Biology, History
Kids Explore Publication
Create a one-page, self-guided activity guide for children visiting the trails.  This might include a scavenger hunt, or suggested activities to try.  This would be distributed at the trail head kiosk, Parks & Rec, and Dahlonega Visitor Center, as well as posted on all these web sites
Biology, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English, Psychology, Sociology
Library Partnership; Fostering Explorations in Nature
Work with the local library to create a special section on connecting children with nature; help secure new books for both children and adults; create Nature Explore backpacks with materials that encourage outside exploration (field guides, inexpensive binoculars, bug boxes, first aid kit, etc.) to be available for loan from the library
Biology, Education, English
Nature Explore Classroom; Music and Performance Area / Building Area / Messy Materials Area / Nature Art Area
Research Nature Explore Classroom criteria and develop a master plan for the space. Create a design for the Music and Performance Area, including materials needed and estimated cost.   / Create a design for the Building Area, including materials needed and estimated cost.  / Create a design for the Messy Materials Area, including materials needed and estimated cost. / Create a design for the Balance and Movement Area, including materials needed and estimated cost.  Contact local businesses to sponsor these spaces.  Prepare sites and install key features as time allows.
Art, Education, English, History, Sociology, Music
Nature Explore Classroom; Promotions
Develop a press release with photos on the Nature Explore Classroom effort for the Dahlonega Nugget and the Atlanta Journal and Constitution.  Create a fact sheet for distribution to parents and interested groups, and for posting on web site.  Describe the benefits the NEC brings to the community.
Art, Business-Marketing, Education, English, Sociology
Photography Contest
Sponsor a fall digital photography contest; research similar contests; develop rules and guidelines; create and distribute promotional materials
Art, Business-Marketing, English 
Stream Sampling Instructional Video
Create a video describing techniques for simplified stream sampling utilizing the materials in the Biologist-in-Training (BiT) kits.  This video will be distributed by USFWS field stations across the country for use by teachers using the BiT program, and downloadable from the USFWS web site.
Biology, Education, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English
Student Chapter of YCTC
Create a NGCSU student chapter of the Yahoola Creek Trails Conservancy; Researching and completing organizational paperwork, promotion on campus, membership recruitment, organizing meetings, etc.
Business-Management, Business-Marketing, Education, English
The Community Garden; Fall Preparations
Identify and collect seeds from flowers and vegetables in the community garden space.  Package and label the seeds for sale or future use at the garden. Research, identify, and label plants. Research and identify ideal crops for fall planting, with particular emphasis on heirloom and unusual varieties.
Biology, Art, English, Education
Trail Guide Brochure
Research the trail system, and develop a trail guide brochure that provides a map of the trails, approximate distances, descriptions of the terrain/difficulty, locations of pavilions, comfort station, other points of interest; trail rules and regulations; and Leave No Trace ethics 
Biology, Business-Marketing, Education, English, History
Trailblazing Challenge
Develop guidelines for and promote a community-wide trailblazing volunteer challenge; register volunteers; assign projects; secure tools and materials needed
 Business-Management, Business-Marketing, Education, English
Trail building Design and Construction
Research trail-building including design, construction, materials, surfacing, erosion control, and sustainability; develop a trail building guide for area homeowners based on what you learned; and volunteer in trailblazing effort around the reservoir for hands-on experience.
Education, Art, Biology, English
Trails Day Field Trip
Invite area elementary school(s) (selected classes/grades) to a Trails Day event; communicate with teachers regarding logistics and program content; develop program materials including invitational flyer, letter to teachers, Georgia Performance Standards correlations; Develop day-long program offerings utilizing nationally recognized environmental education curricula; identify instructors; invite other conservation groups, government conservation agencies to participate;    Work with local businesses, conservation groups, and government conservation agencies to provide materials for goody bags; solicit donations from local businesses to offer refreshments/snacks; coordinate distribution of bags and refreshments at event  
Art, Business-Marketing, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Education, English, Biology, Accounting
Video Production; Create a YouTube video or PowerPoint about the importance of connecting children and nature
Develop script, film, edit and post a video on YouTube that describes the enormous health, social, mental and spiritual benefits of regular, sustained interactions with nature beginning at early ages.  Describe how the Yahoola Creek Trails and YCTC help fill this need for our community.  This video will be used in efforts to promote trail and green space expansion in our area. 
Art, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English, History, Sociology
Video Production; Create a YouTube video or PowerPoint describing the mission and efforts of YCTC
Develop script, film, edit and post a video on YouTube that describes the mission and accomplishments of YCTC in promoting the benefits of green space in Dahlonega-Lumpkin County.  This video link will be used by YCTC and others in promotions, recruiting members, fundraisers, and other events, including a web link from YCTC’s web site.
Art, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English
Video Production; Create a YouTube video or PowerPoint documenting native flora found along the trails
Description:  Develop script, film, edit and post a video on YouTube that documents and describes plants and trees that can be found along Yahoola Creek Trails.  Information about identification, medicinal uses, edibility, and traditional resource value could be included.  This video will be used in efforts to educate our community and others about the importance of green space preservation.
Art, Biology, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English, Sociology
Video Production; Create a YouTube video or PowerPoint documenting the benefits of trails to communities (specifically ours)
Develop script, film, edit and post a video on YouTube that describes the benefits of trails, in general and in relation to Dahlonega-Lumpkin County, including social, health, ecological, economic, and quality-of-life benefits to residents and visitors.  This video will be used in efforts to promote trail and green space expansion in our area
Art, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English, History
Video Production; Create a YouTube video or PowerPoint introducing potential visitors to the Yahoola Creek Trails
Develop script, film, edit and post a video on YouTube that describes the amenities and resources offered by the Yahoola Creek Trails.  This video link will be used by YCTC, Lumpkin County Parks & Rec and Dahlonega Visitor Center in promotions, including a web link from each of the listed organization’s web sites.
Art, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English
Virtual Tour of the Trails
Develop a virtual tour of a section of the trails for use on County and YCTC web site
Art, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English