The partnership between science and the environment in service-learning projects helps students to make greater connections to the world around them. Service learning provides many benefits to students, faculty, and communities within the context of a college course. However, to prevent frustration, it is important for faculty members to make a clear distinction between service learning and volunteerism by connecting their course objectives to the service being provided. They also must develop a framework for planning, assessment, and reflection. Finally, a successful partnership must be developed. Clearly defining the community setting to be used for the service-learning project will ensure a more positive outcome. Developing the partnership framework through purposeful communication with all partners is the key to successful service-learning projects. A sequential series of steps are provided for the framework development. Actual examples of classroom projects are described, along with benefits to students, agencies, and community participants.

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