Service Learning Project Assignment
Service Learning Project Assignment Options
This assignment consists of different portions to be completed weekly, as outlined below. Following the weekly tasks will help you complete the project by its due date in Week Four.
In Week One, select one of the following assignments:
Option 1: Organic Community Vegetable Garden Project
Option 2: Impact of Buying Local Produce on Sustainability
Service Learning Project Assignment
Option 3: Agricultural Land Loss
There are weekly assignment due dates presented below each option.
Option 1: Organic Community Vegetable Garden Project
Due in Week One:
Select an unused area in your neighborhood that can be converted into an organic vegetable garden for the local community or charity. Possibilities include an abandoned lot, an industrial or business park, a rooftop, a churchyard, a community park, or a local forest preserve.
Service Learning Project Assignment
Due in Week Two:
Begin filling out the Week Four planning document to develop a plan that incorporates the principles of sustainability into your project.
Due in Week Three:
Complete the Week Four planning document to develop a plan that incorporates the principles of sustainability into your project.
Due in Week Four:
Write a 700- to 1,050-word letter to the landowner requesting use of the space for a garden. Outline the benefits of a having an organic garden within the community and include points from the completed planning document.
Service Learning Project Assignment
Submit your letter and the completed planning document.
Option 1: Organic Community Vegetable Garden Project Planning Document
Steps and Resources Needed
Explanation (include any advantages and disadvantages)
Relation to Sustainable Agriculture
Locate a suitable area in your community
Service Learning Project Assignment
Identify landowner and other interested parties
Points to include in the letter:
Why does the community need an organic garden?
Which soil practices will you use to achieve sustainability?
Which ecological practices will you use to create a resilient garden?
How will you use ecological concepts and species diversity to control pests?
Where will you purchase seeds? Are the seeds organic?
Service Learning Project Assignment
How will you manage your garden plots? Will they be rented out?
How do organic community gardens address some of claims made by proponents of industrial agriculture?
What are the environmental, local business, and socio-economic benefits of your garden? How might you address any disadvantages?
Option 2: Impact of Buying Local Produce on Sustainability
Due in Week One:
Research options for buying locally grown produce in your state or in neighboring states. In addition to conducting background research using case studies, you can research your local grocery store, U-pick farms, or farmers’ markets to determine which locally grown produce is available.
Due in Week Two:
Service Learning Project Assignment
Use the evidence you have gathered to explain how buying locally promotes agricultural sustainability and supports the local economy.
Begin filling out the Week Four planning document to develop a plan that incorporates the principles of sustainability into your project.
Due in Week Three:
Complete the Week Four planning document to develop a plan that incorporates the principles of sustainability into your project.
Due in Week Four:
Write a 750- to 1,050-word article for your local newspaper that summarizes the findings listed in your planning document.
Submit your newspaper article and the completed planning document.
Option 2: Impact of Buying Local Produce on Sustainability Planning Document
Service Learning Project Assignment