Plant Biology: SL:Community Climate Solutions

Intensive, service-learning, experiential opportunity for UVM students in the life sciences interested in topics related to food, environment, and sustainability. Involves a mix of learning on campus in-person in the classroom and greenhouse, working off-campus with community partnerships and projects, and asynchronous online weekly assignments. Prerequisites: PBIO 2330, PBIO 2440, or BCOR 2100.

Instructor will contact students with meeting location.

Community Climate Solutions is four-week intensive, service-learning course for students in the life sciences interested in topics related to food, environment, and sustainability. All efforts are focused on implementing nature-based climate solutions to enhance biodiversity and improve climate resilience of public lands in the Burlington area. This service-learning (SL) course includes reciprocal partnerships between UVM faculty and students, the City of Burlington, and various community-based organizations. Students engage in local projects that benefit our local community within an academic structure that facilitates reflection and supports your learning. Service-learning offers opportunities for theories traditionally studied within classrooms to come to life as students broaden their perspective and develop professional skills through an experience that mutually benefits the community partners and the local community.

During the first two weeks, students will learn in-person in the classroom, at the UVM Greenhouse, and in the field at project sites with community partners. The second two weeks will consist of online, self-paced readings, reflections, and a final presentation. May 19 - May 30 in-person (transportation provided to project sites): Tuesday - Friday, 10am-2:00pm [with a half-hour break] = 30 hours over two weeks. June 2 - June 13 online and remote: Self-paced reflection and presentation = 15 hours over two weeks.

Students will be evaluated on their participation, weekly reflections, and the development and demonstration of a final presentation linking projects to nature-based climate solution theme as outlined in Burlington’s Open Space Plan: I. Daily Participation (weeks 1-2) = 40% of final grade II. Yellowdig reflections (weeks 1-4) = 20% of final grade III. Final project presentation (weeks 3-4) = 40% of final grade