The Seattle University Project on the Environment and Recycling (SUPER)

What is SUPER? | Project Reports | Get Involved

The S eattle U niversity P roject on the E nvironment and R ecycling was initiated in June 2000 to allow chemistry students an opportunity to participate in service learning.

Service learning is the integration of knowledge and practice.  It encourages students to perform a service to the community while simultaneously enriching their knowledge, skills, or understanding.  We sponsor several research projects at Seattle U. that focus on environmental issues around campus.

How is service learning different from community service or volunteering?
Our projects require students to gain and apply new knowledge, and to actively model the scientific method. 

How is service learning different from an internship?
Our projects are not industry-based, nor are students paid for their work.  The element of service - that students are working to improve their campus community, is what sets our projects apart.

Our projects allow students to study both the scientific and social aspects of environmental issues on campus.  These interdisciplinary projects span biology, chemistry, economics, marketing, psychology...!  Many of the students that participate in SUPER are not science majors, but they do appreciate applying their growing scientific knowledge to the real world.

Our work makes a difference!  Past research findings have been used by the University administration to make well-informed decisions about how Seattle U. operates.

Please direct questions and comments to chemdept@seattleu.edu