Improvement of laboratory skills of Chemical and Civil Engineering students using an interdisciplinary service-learning project for water quality and supply assessment in low-income homes

Abstract

The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) develops the UBANEX program, focused on service-learning projects for students involving social, environmental and public health concerns. One of the proposals was a collaborative project between UBA and the National University of General Sarmiento. Based on the hypothesis that students’ voluntary involvement in social concerns improves their attitudes towards themselves and learning, the aim was to focus on the development of social and professional skills by implementing an interdisciplinary work for water quality and supply assessment in low-income homes from a southern district of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Eighteen volunteers—Chemical and Civil Engineering students—were recruited during August–December 2016. Tasks were distributed according to their interests: survey making, sampling, lab analysis, infrastructure checking, etc. Volunteers were surveyed in social involvement, lab skills, data compilation and analysis, leading to a final report with recommendations for a proper water use. The survey results compiled their feedback: 72% admitted an update on water quality problems, 60% learned new lab techniques and were able to analyze results, 89% supported the University’s involvement in social concerns and 56% expanded their opinion about the professional field. The students confirmed their interest in participating in the next UBANEX project.