Community Engaged Teaching
Community-engaged teaching and learning in biology is all about connecting what we learn in class to real-world issues, making science feel relevant and impactful. For example when students get involved in projects like local habitat restoration or conservation outreach, they’re not just learning about ecosystems—they’re actively working to support them. This hands-on approach helps students see how their studies can directly benefit the environment and their communities, giving them a sense of purpose and responsibility. It also brings schools and communities together, creating partnerships that tackle real, biological and societal challenges. By linking scientific knowledge with community needs, students gain practical skills and a strong sense of stewardship, preparing them to make a difference in both their careers and the world around them. I am committed to increase the opportunities for community engagement in my classrooms.
BIOL 100A Service Learning Project
BIOL 100A is a class of 100+ lower division students with majors outside of biology. To increase hands- on learning and help students connect with their local community, I implemented a semester long service-learning project.
Each student was responsible for completing 3 hours of community engagement with a UNR Community Partner. The work needed to relate to biology in some way so students could directly apply course content to their work.
119 students completed 492 hours of community service during this project. The organizations they chose were incredibly diverse spanning environmental clean ups to legal forensics work.
Student Feedback
Students were asked to reflect upon their experiences during multiple check ins throughout the semester. Below are some direct quotes about their experience completing this project.
“It did change my perspective of biology. It is wild to see something we have learned about in class become true in my life.”
“Overall, I feel more closer to my community. Meeting people, giving some of my time, and cleaning up my town helped me to feel more connected and in love with my community and city”
“I am very glad that we had to do this because I would have never done it unprovoked”
“It also helped some with my social anxiety and confidence in myself. I now feel like I can do more new things on my own because they feel less scary and intimidating”
“I honestly had a great time, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and it helped me feel closer to my community. It also gave me a new experience as I have never planted a tree before.”
“My experiences helped me realize my strengths which is the ability to interact with all types of people and patience. volunteering has also made me feel better about myself and made me feel a sense of purpose just by interacting with different people who are in need and doing things for children that could potentially make their day or feel happy”
“For the first time in a while I felt a sense of pride for doing something genuinely good.”