COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS AND MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT IN STEM PUBLIC SERVICE

INTEGSCI 640

Discusses the fundamentals of public service and civic engagement in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines grounded in evidence-based knowledge and research. Provides an overview of the core pathways of public service, the knowledge required to effectively initiate and cultivate community partnerships, and the skills necessary to reflect upon personal experiences with community engagement activities. Fosters understanding of the broader impacts in STEM fields and prepares students to begin specializing in a specific pathway and develop relationships with a community partner.

INTEGSCI 140

A discussion-based seminar introducing first-year STEM students to the world of public service from the perspective of both the university and its community partners. Classroom activities and direct campus and off-campus experiences are included. Service opportunities include STEM outreach, sustainability, and public health. Involves approximately 1 hour per week of public service.

INTEGSCI 240

Teaches students about community engagement experiences, focusing on building community partnerships, understanding organizational missions and community needs, assessment of informal science outreach experiences, and issues related to scientific literacy and access to science.

INTEGSCI 340

Applies communication skills and social awareness issues in ways that enable students to work with increasing levels of independence in building and maintaining community relationships compared toINTEGSCI 240. Includes a lab section applied to lecture experiences to prepare for work with children in elementary after-school science clubs and to focus on different styles of communication. The multi-disciplinary focus of the after-school lessons develops connections between students' field of study and others within STEM. In the service learning component, students apply academic knowledge through science education and outreach experiences in a community-focused and culturally sensitive way. Students work with underrepresented students in the Madison metropolitan area in elementary after-school science clubs, and are expected to critically reflect on the ties between their academic and community partnerships, and differences between campus and community culture.

INTEGSCI 840

Develops community-engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through a mentored public service experience. Provides opportunities to refine and implement skills necessary to work with a community partner to implement and evaluate a project that is mutually beneficial in process and product. Places emphasis on professional development within a selected pathway (direct service, community engaged teaching, policy and governance, or social entrepreneurship/corporate social responsibility). Includes time to meet within specialized pathways and as a full cohort throughout the implementation of the practicum experience.