Festival of Scholars

Student Abstracts

Heart Lesson

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The lesson plan was presented to the first graders with the concept of different daily activities contributing to the different heart rates a child or adult exerts amid the day. The lesson delivered the students with a prominent understanding of implementing a healthy heart lifestyle. The methodology used is show me, help me, and let me. The students were read “The Heart”, and then shown a diagram depicting heart flow, which preceded a discussion of the heart and heart rate. Students learned how to measure their heart rate using a stethoscope. Showing and helping the students gain knowledge towards using the stethoscopes placement for the best heart rate results. The students advanced to the jump rope activity, and measured their own heart rate. The main concept for the first graders to grasp was the differences between daily activities and their heart rates. The first graders concluded through the reading, discussion, and jump rope activity heart rates have variations during a variety of activities with different exertion rates.

Student(s):
Keeley Anderson

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael Mccambridge

Saint Patrick's Day

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Every student always looks forwards to the holidays celebrated in elementary school. There are always events for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Valentine’s Day. A day that is only celebrated by wearing the color green is Saint Patrick’s Day. At White Oak Elementary School, I was able to present information and a background of Saint Patrick’s Day. The students were able understand why this holiday is celebrated the meaning this day represents. After presenting information the students then made their own leprechauns and water colored rainbows. These decorations are going to be used for decorations in the class. The students made two copies of their projects and one copy is being sent to a Cerebral Palsy home, which the students had previously worked with. The students were very excited throughout the whole lesson and it was very successful.

Student(s):
Anne Avery, Kathleen Avery

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Saint Patrick's Day

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At the elementary school that I intern at, they are learning about the different holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. One holiday that is coming up that the kids get very excited about is Saint Patrick’s Day. This day is known to be about leprechauns and wearing the color green. For my service-learning project the students painted rainbows with a pot of gold and made a leprechaun out of three leaf clovers. Each student made two so they could keep one and then donate one to Sunrise Assisted Living Home. This home is where elder people live and they love when they receive art projects from students in the area to use as decorations. Overall the lesson went very well and the kids enjoyed doing the art projects because they were making them for a good cause.

Student(s):
Kathleen Avery

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Second Grade Rescuing Earth!

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Papers, bottles, pencils, markers, and glue sticks all have one thing in common; they can be reduced, reused, or recycled, however, often times this fact goes unnoticed. While students and teachers want to be green and utilize the three R’s, there is a resounding confusion over what can or cannot be reduced, reused, or recycled. As a second grade class, our mission will be to bring awareness to Earth Day and provide leadership for how to utilize the three R’s in the classroom. Students will establish three ways in which they can help the classroom reduce, reuse, or recycle and create a bulletin board demonstrating their knowledge in order to provide leadership to the rest of the school with helpful hints. Students will then implement these strategies in the classroom environment.

Student(s):
Kristin Bailey

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Shaking Off the Bullies: Bringing Awareness to Social Bullying in Elementary Schools

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Social bullying is a growing problem in elementary schools across the globe. Many students are not aware that their purposeful exclusion of others and mean comments are potentially damaging to others and will have lasting effects on a student’s identity and self-confidence. Therefore, this project aimed to raise awareness of the topic to third grade students as well as teach them strategies to combat bullying and build self-confidence. In a series of lessons, the students identified social bullying, strategies to stand up to bullies, and positive attributes about themselves. The culmination of this project came with the students choreographing a “lip dub” to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off, practicing one of their strategies of shaking off mean comments made by others. The class then reflected on this experience and built personal and class morale and pledged to help end bullying in their school.

Student(s):
Katie Carroll, MATES Charter School

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

The Concrete Pillow

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Recently, my place of employment held a blanket drive for the homeless over the course of several weeks. Aware that homeless members of our communities need basic necessities, such as blankets, I began to wonder where they were able to rest their heads at the end of the day. Therefore, as part of my Service Learning Project, I will be leading students in an activity that will not only teach them a new skill, but also about charity and community. The students, with whom I work in an after school program, range from Transitional Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. They will hand-sew pillows for the homeless using materials, such as canvas and vinyl, and utilizing various stitches, such as a basic stitch or a blanket stitch, to create a personalized all-weather pillow to be donated to the community church.

Student(s):
Jocasta Decker

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Leaping Into St. Patrick's Day

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I went to Junipero Serra Elementary School to teach an Irish dance step to ten 2nd graders. I practiced with these boys and girls two times before their performance. The purpose of this service-learning project was to share some Irish culture with the 2nd grade class. I verbally told the class information about the Irish culture and they got to visually see some Irish dancing. I also shared how I have competed in the Irish Dance World Championships and have recently been to Ireland. I taught ten students an Irish dance routine, and they demonstrated these to their classmates. It was perfect because this project started the class’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. When I taught the dancers, I split the boys and girls into two groups. As I worked with one group, the other group individually practiced.

Student(s):
Katherine Harvey

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Go Green for Recycling

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There are many reasons why recycling is important. Making new products out recycled materials reduces the need to consume resources. Being that recycling helps protect raw materials and natural habitats for the future, it is important to educate the youth on this important topic. The purpose of this project is to teach students what recycling is, how to recycle, and the importance of recycling. I will introduce classroom recycle bins and empower students to educate other students about the importance of recycling and how to recycle. The purpose of this project is for the students to learn why recycling is important to their community and their world. After I have taught the students about recycling with a short lesson and recycling game, the students will make and distribute paper recycle bins throughout the school. The students will be told that they are the leaders of this project and therefore responsible for explaining what they have learned about recycling (what recycling is, why recycling is important, and how to recycle) to the rest of the learning center students.

Student(s):
Nicole Hoffman

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Commitment to Improving Literacy

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In 2009, thirty-three percent of 4th graders in public schools in the United States were at or below the “Basic” level on reading tests. It was reported that these students had less access to books that then their peers who scored higher. This could have been due to cost of books compared to family income, lack of library or bookstore nearby or lack of time or interest for reading from either parent or child. Therefore, the aim of this service-learning project is to educate students on the issues surrounding literacy and access. The students will design a book drive and using media and technology; they will design ads and flyers to advertise the book drive. The students will then create stickers to go in the books encouraging the children who receive these books to enjoy reading. They will also design bookmarks. The books will be donated to a non-profit, located in Inglewood, called One For All where they teach the importance of literacy and provide books to students in local Inglewood schools.

Student(s):
Madeleine Krueger, Lisa Skelley, Mari Morales, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Youth Group and Confirmation Class

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Research Project with Ventura County Probation: The Problem of Drug Use Amoung Juveniles

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In our Criminology course, our form of service was to conduct research for our community partner, the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA). My research group studied the problem of drug use among the juvenile population, including the types of drug use. In order to better understand the juvenile population the VCPA serves, not only did we tour the JF, but we also interacted with the probation officers who work in the facility. Ultimately through our research process, we were able to recommend key areas of published scholarship and successful drug rehabilitation programs for the VCPA to explore, and possibly incorporate into their current system. At the conclusion of the study, these recommendations were formally presented to the VCPA officers at the Juvenile Facilities in Oxnard.

Student(s):
Emily Legrand

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Helen Lim

Collecting Books for Literacy in Our Community

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To raise awareness of illiteracy in America and our community, several students will hold discussion within their class pertaining to what books the students love and how they have positively affected their lives. Then, the students will tell the class that not all children have the same opportunities to read and enjoy books. There are students who do not get to read to same books as they do. To help those children, the class will hold a fundraiser to collect book in order to donate them to organizations that help students who do not have the same opportunities. I hope the students to continue appreciating literacy and donating the books to those in need.

Student(s):
Amber Lowther

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits at a Young Age

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With childhood obesity rates on the rise, it is vital that children are educated in the importance of healthy eating from a young age. The aim of this student project was to educate kindergarten students about what constituted a “healthy meal” and to give these students the tools to share their new knowledge with the transitional kindergarteners at the school. To this end, the kindergarten students were taught about the different food groups and how much of each food group should be on their plates at every meal. They embarked on a field trip to the local grocery store and then engaged with the transitional kindergarteners in game play that both tested their knowledge and provided them with the opportunity to share that knowledge with their playmates. The result was a lesson for both age groups that will not be soon forgotten.

Student(s):
Jadie Mathews

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

The Power of Planting a Seed

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Throughout the spring, we get to see the flowers blooming and turning into a delicious fruit. Many students are unaware of how that tree started and how it got to be so big. In my project the students will learn about the planet and how a seed can blossom into a big tree. In which I would like the students to learn the importance of the seasons and what happens all around us everyday. My goal is not just reach my students but an entire community on how a small effort can lead to greater things. I will start with the kids in the classroom and then after school host a session inviting parents and community members to come and plant their own seed, during in which my students and I will give information on how to maintain the plant alive.

Student(s):
Rosa Mendez

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michaeal McCambridge

A Plant's Life Cycle for Third Graders

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The importance of the topic was to briefly introduce the students to a subject within the third grade science state standard, while they have the chance to plant their own flower at school. My goal was for the students was to learn about a plant’s life cycle, as well as to provide them with the opportunity to give back to the community by planting flowers in the school garden. In addition, it provided the student with the opportunity to observe the plants as it goes through each stage of the life cycle. The initial lesson taught the students about the life cycle and the effects of pollution, while it required them to complete two worksheets. The last lesson was when the flowers were planted. Afterwards, the students wrote about what they learned and enjoyed about the two lessons. Overall, the lessons went well and everyone enjoyed planting flowers.

Student(s):
Nicolette Morishita

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Good Citizenship Means Compassion for All Living Things

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First graders in the state of California learn about the requirements that one needs to possess, in order to be considered an exceptional citizen of the country. The students brainstormed ways in which they could help, and what they can donate to animals who are struggling to find homes within the shelter system. The students were given the opportunity to donate to local shelters, as well as make “thank you” cards for the employees; all of which later was donated to the Camarillo/Simi Valley Animal Shelters. My project aims to provide the students with the opportunity to help their community and its four legged members. The goal was to show the students that being a good citizen of your community shouldn't stop with showing compassion solely to humans.

Student(s):
Celine Olivas

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Protect our Earth

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At most schools the major holidays are recognized but some of the smaller holidays are overlooked. One of the most important holidays that is overlooked is Earth Day. I will show students the power we have to protect our earth through being water wise, recycling, and saving our environment. The goal of this project is to inform our youth that the earth needs to be taken care of and how students can do their part in helping. Each student will grow their own plant that they will be able to take home to share with their family along with their new information to protect our earth.

Student(s):
Nathan Ortega

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Water Conservation and Fundraising for Improving Access to Water

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In order to create awareness of water usage and conservation, a group of students will learn together how to contribute to global change. The students will have a guided discussion on how we use water. Then students will brainstorm and we will create a list of ways we can conserve water. Each student will choose one method of water conservation to practice at home or at school everyday. Additionally, the students will be encouraged to bring spare change to donate to The Water Project. The funds will go towards helping those in Africa gain access to clean and safe water. We will create a poster where the students can record their progress as they work toward reaching their class goal. A collection jar will be displayed in the classroom so the students can watch their donations grow. Once the students have met their goal, they will submit their donations to the charitable organization. In response, The Water Project will send the class pictures and stories on how and where the funds were used. The students will be encouraged to continue their conservation efforts.

Student(s):
Erica Paisley

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Recycle for the Water Cycle

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The water cycle is nature's recycling system. But what happens when the water cycle breaks down? In many countries around the world, the water cycle doesn't work and clean water is scarce. People have to walk miles just for a bucket of clean water. Twenty-eight fourth graders at Wood Ranch Elementary in Simi Valley are now aware of how serious this is. The goal of my service-learning project was to teach the students in Mrs. Burns’ class about the water cycle and water scarcity through two engaging and interactive lessons. They spread the word to their family and friends and raised money by collecting and recycling plastic bottles. The money was then donated to TheWaterProject.org, who builds wells for villages in Sub-Saharan Africa. The students were excited to get to do something to help others, and I feel like this was a great way to enrich their learning experience.

Student(s):
Stella Ranieri

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Bridging Generations Through Song and Dance

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Senior citizens living in retirement homes are often lonely, and the smiles and voices of children is a wonderful way to bridge the gap between the generations and positively affect both the children and adults. Performing at nursing homes is one of the many activities children can do to provide joy, sunshine, and healing to the residents of nursing homes. I have been working with Frank LaGuardia to arrange an event either square dancing or choral singing at a retirement home. Mr. LaGuardia is a music teacher at M.A.T.E.S. Elemenary School and has several students who will travel with me to a retirement community within the Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village areas and share their talents with an older generation. They will be performing a routine they are also learning in school.

Student(s):
Rebecca Rothberg, Frank LaGuardia, M.A.T.E.S. Elementary School, Retirement Home TBD

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Bridging Borders with Kindness

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We live in a diverse world, where lifestyles and affluence levels vary. Many countries are not nearly as fortunate as us. The purpose of this project was to teach the students how children in other parts of the world live, and help them to understand that simple acts of kindness can put a smile on other's faces, make their day, or even profoundly change their life! First, the students were introduced to Makobe School in Kenya, Africa that gives students who are orphans or disabled an opportunity to get an education. Then, I read the students the children's book, Beatrice's Goat by Paige McBrier. The book explains how the gift of a goat, sent to Beatrice's family from people around the world, changes her life and provides her the opportunity to reach her dream of attending school. Next, we brainstormed letter-writing ideas, and with that the students composed a letter to their new pen pal at the Makobe School. In addition, the students made crafts in class that they will sell to their school community, before and after class. All of the money earned will be donated to the Makobe School.

Student(s):
Carly Santana

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Restoring Biodiversity

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Because of people’s tendency to think in an anthropocentric way, environmental problems are often overlooked. What many fail to realize is how much of a home nature really is, not just to human beings, but also to species of plants, animals, and insects that we don't think about on a regular basis. My trip to Anacapa Island and being a part of the Island Restoration team gave me the opportunity to get rid of invasive species threatening habitats of native plants and animals and biodiversity. This restoration work work will allow a full range of native plants and animals to flourish. We spent the day uprooting ice plant, a non-native plant that has taken over the island, hindering native and endemic plants from flourishing. Because of this, many species of animals on the island are affected too. After all that digging and pulling, we planted new, harmless plants. This project helped me realize how interconnected we all are, humans and animals alike, to the natural world, and the importance of addressing environmental issues.

Student(s):
Patricia Teodorescu

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Victor Thasiah

Recycling Project at Campus Canyon Elementary

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Americans throw away nearly two and a half million plastic bottles every year, which have harmful effects on the environment. Bottles that are not recycled end up in waste streams, landfills, and the ocean. Without the action of recycling plastic bottles, it will take up to five hundred years before they biodegrade. Recycling is a simple way to make a positive impact on keeping the Earth clean. Every time plastic is recycled; companies can reuse the materials after they have been broken down to create new products. Therefore, the aim of this student project is to inform students how to make an impact through recycling plastic items at school. For this service-learning project, recycling bins will be placed around campus for students to use. Recycling is a lifestyle, and we hope to implement a change by sharing this knowledge with others.

Student(s):
Ashleigh Tippet

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Giving to the Community

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Student involvement in the community, models active and socially responsible residents. This student service project was a collaboration of community resources including a third grade classroom at Art Haycox Elementary School, Shoreline Care Center, and Ralphs to encourage participation within their own neighborhood. Students learned different ways of being involved within the community including visiting and spending time with a resident from a convalescent home in Oxnard. Students created a card and hand-delivered it to a resident at Shoreline Care Center. Also, students analyzed various environmental issues and solutions. Then, each student embellished a paper grocery bag with an environmental message for Ralphs costumers to take home.

Student(s):
Sofia Vega

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

Ocean Conservation and Appreciation

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With the ocean covering about 70% of the earths surface, providing us with freshwater and oxygen, regulating the climate, and providing a home to millions of animal species, not to mention that humans use it for recreation and enjoyment, what could be more important than conserving this invaluable resource! The purpose of this project is to share with a younger generation all the invaluable things about the ocean, and therefore, the need to protect it. The students will be asked to share their own experiences with the ocean. Then I will give a short presentation to teach them a few interesting facts about the ocean and pollution prevention. After the presentation they will draw a picture of their favorite ocean animal. Finally, they will tell another class what they love about the ocean, ways to help protect it, and share their drawings.

Student(s):
Danielle Warmuth

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

He That Plants a Tree, Loves Others Beside Himself -Thomas Fuller

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After much consideration, the service-learning project I have chosen blends a science experiment with compassion in order to teach children a lesson that will educate them both academically and emotionally. The lesson will teach the children the basic parts of a flower that are necessary to survival and growth. Each student will be responsible for growing two flowers: one to take home, and one to give to a senior citizen at a nearby nursing home. The students will decorate each pot and provide it with sunlight and water. They will watch the flowers blossom in their habitat. Upon completion, each student will give away a flower with a small description of the project and a handwritten note with some interesting facts about Earth day. I strongly believe this lesson will give both the children and the senior citizens something to brighten their day!

Student(s):
Julia Weinrott

Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Michael McCambridge

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Schedule of Events

Center for Academic Service Learning: Service Learning Across Disciplines

Student Abstracts

Heart Lesson

Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day

Second Grade Rescuing Earth!

Shaking Off the Bullies: Bringing Awareness to Social Bullying in Elementary Schools

The Concrete Pillow

Leaping Into St. Patrick's Day

Go Green for Recycling

Commitment to Improving Literacy

Research Project with Ventura County Probation: The Problem of Drug Use Amoung Juveniles

Collecting Books for Literacy in Our Community

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits at a Young Age

The Power of Planting a Seed

A Plant's Life Cycle for Third Graders

Good Citizenship Means Compassion for All Living Things

Protect our Earth

Water Conservation and Fundraising for Improving Access to Water

Recycle for the Water Cycle

Bridging Generations Through Song and Dance

Bridging Borders with Kindness

Restoring Biodiversity

Recycling Project at Campus Canyon Elementary

Giving to the Community

Ocean Conservation and Appreciation

He That Plants a Tree, Loves Others Beside Himself -Thomas Fuller