Tomasek authors book chapter in Science and Service Learning

Terry Tomasek, associate professor of education and director of Elon Academy, has published a chapter as lead author on connections and contributions through research service learning in “Science and Service Learning”. 

“Science and Service Learning” is a volume in the series, “Research in Science Education,” edited by Jane L. Newman, Dennis W. Sunal, and Cynthia Sunal and published by Information Age in 2016. Tomasek’s chapter, “Connections and Contributions Through Research Service Learning” examines the relationship between science inquiry and service learning. The book’s intention is to bridge the gaps between research and practice; serving as a resource to science and service-learning researchers, teachers and administrators because it provides information about strategies to integrate service-learning into the science curriculum and instruction.

Specific case studies and strategies focus on how to make learning more engaging; encourage collaboration among students, teachers and community partners; improve academic competence; create social/civic responsibility; stimulate resiliency in students at-risk; improve student interest in STEM subjects and majors; develop STEM career interests; and improve the quality of science and service-learning instructions through addressing standards.