Dual-Team Model for International Service Learning in Engineering: Remote Solar Water Pumping in Guatemala

Abstract

Provision of clean water can improve the lives of many people around the world. In addition, engineering skills are required to conceive, design, and construct water systems. Therefore, an international engineering service-learning project using solar-powered water pumping for the Santa Maria de Guadalupe Orphanage in Guatemala was performed. Project tasks were distributed between two student teams, a design team and an implementation team. By relying on a dual-team model, work was distributed among more participants and enabled students who could not travel to participate. Project objectives were to broaden social, cultural, and international experience of engineering students while serving others as well as to reinforce learning objectives specified by ABET Inc. (formally known as Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Students engaged in readings, discussions, and journaling that helped them gain a better understanding of cultural, economic, and historical realities in rural Guatemala. In order to assess the project, pre- and posttrip surveys were administered. Students valued the project as supporting development of traditional technical skills, but also saw the project as supporting a broad education. The solar water pump was installed and functioned as designed to meet client needs. The project served as a pilot to support future solar-powered pump installations in developing countries.