Service-Learning for a Multiple Learning Modality Environment

Abstract

Chemistry curricula have been severely impacted by social distancing, the need for hybrid and remote learning, and the reduction of resources that many institutions have encountered since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak. Educators have had to be extremely creative and innovative with their pedagogical approaches in order to offer a quality learning experience. Instructors have used a plethora of interventions to convey course material or aspects of a class that typically would have been carried out in-person, such as live streaming laboratories, virtual simulations, and Zoom classes. Herein, we have identified a service-learning project as a means to engage students in chemistry, complement laboratory activities, and enhance students’ soft skills. During the project, students in a nonmajors chemistry course and upper level majors course presented a science activity to elementary students using Google Meet. Herein, we present the results and benefits of the interactive virtual service-learning project.