Term
Summer 7-25-2016
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MAED: NSEE
Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Jason Miller
Secondary Advisor/Reader One
Michael Macken
Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two
Katharine Niemczyk
Abstract
The research question addressed in this project is: how does composting at school change the way middle school students perceive their ability to positively impact the earth? The motivating factor for this capstone was the lack of awareness middle school students seem to have in regards to the waste they create and how to handle their waste. This capstone delves into the impacts of service learning combined with environmentalism. Since service learning is most impactful when it is student-led, students brainstormed ideas around waste management at their school and concluded that composting should be part of the plan. Students designed, built, and decorated a wooden composting bin that will be used to help start the process at school in the following school year. The researcher describes both positive and negative shifts in students’ attitudes towards their ability to make a difference for the environment as a result of the study.
Research Methodology
Action Research, Interview, Survey
Keywords
Environmental Studies, Science
Recommended Citation
Pangborn, Katie Lynn, "How does composting at school change the way middle school students perceive their ability to positively impact the earth?" (2016). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 4158.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/4158