In the upcoming school year, we have the possibility of the Environmental Science class returning, but it is dependent on the amount of students enrolled. Mr. Kommer hopes that the class will have enough students to run two 2 regular classes and 1 AP class.

Mr. Kommer started teaching Environmental Science around 18-19 years ago. He designed the Environmental Science course and Mr. Broich designed with Marine Science course. Mr. Kommer said he started teaching Environmental Science because there was a “need for an elective science” and both he and Mr. Broich “wanted to create classes that fit our local environments.”

The curriculum included things ranging from our local environment to the global environment. It was flexible enough that they could also integrate current events into the lessons. It is similar to Marine Science in the sense of the classes both being lecture, field trip, and project-oriented. But the field trips and projects are different.

The class had enough meaty lectures involving the local and global environments but also had enough projects, which created a great balance.  “The open-ended research project at the end of the year was great. It allowed students to do things that they were interested in,” said Mr. Kommer. He said that was one of the best parts about the class.

Mr. Kommer said the class has “a really hard reputation, but if you were willing to do the work, it was easy to do well.” Senior Carly Bossung, who took the class two years ago, agreed and said that the class was “a lot of work but it’s worth it and you really learn how to work for your grades.”  Senior Leandra Bakker said that the class was worth it 110% and taught her responsibility and respect. “Those are Kommer’s rules. Kindness, Consideration, and Respect,” said Leandra.

When asked about the possible revival, Mr. Kommer said he’d be ecstatic when it comes back. “We should teach more classes like this and we should learn about our local environment,” said Mr. Kommer. He thinks the class should be strictly for juniors and seniors. “It was a lot of fun when Mr. Berkhout and I taught together,” he said.

Carly’s favorite part of the class was the classroom and Mr. Kommer teaching it. He inspired Carly to take Marine Science her senior year. Leandra’s favorite part of the class was field trips. She enjoyed that they were “fun but taught you things at the same time. That’s something some field trips aren’t. They were a nice balance between fun and learning.”

Mr. Kommer also gave props to the school district. “The support for field trips and a field trip oriented class is unparalleled and is a step above and beyond other districts.”

If you already picked a science course and are thinking about taking Environmental Science instead, go talk your guidance counselor today!