There are classes we take in high school that are more than just textbook work and lectures, classes that open our minds to new ways of looking at the world we live in. This year I took one of those classes, and it truly made me realize the effect hands-on learning can have on a student. Environmental Science, 7th period with Mr. Kommer; ever since September it’s been my favorite part of the day.
The first day of school I was utterly terrified of Kommer, but I quickly realized how much of an amazing person and educator he is. (Seven) years ago Kommer built the entire tank filtration system in the wet-lab, the most interactive classroom in the school, by himself. Today there are (33) tanks representing different ecosystems around the world that students work on independently.
“We are given privileges and opportunities that are not offered in other classes,” says Marine student Meaghan DeCara. Students are responsible for these creatures and systems- this class isn’t just a regular science class, it involves a lot of work and dedication.
“It’s a challenge but it’s also really fun and interesting,” says Marine student Molly Tucker. After finishing one of these classes, Marine or Environmental, students have a broad knowledge of sea life and an ecological global perspective, all from hands-on interactive learning and independent studies.
Besides the liberating feeling of a collaborative classroom experience, what else is it about Kommer’s classes that students find so enjoyable? Well, naturally it’s the teacher himself.
“He is very engaging,” says Environmental student Sarah Laadt, who also went on to say he has influenced her to study environmental studies in college. “He treats us like real people and has a fun, discrete way of teaching us,” says Molly.
“Kommer inspires us not only to respect our environment, but also to cooperate and work well with each other,” remarked Meaghan. The feeling is mutual between Kommer and his students, for when asked his favorite part his job he simply smiled and without a second thought replied with, “The kids. I just love the kids.”
Some students believe that since these classes are electives, they can take them instead of taking a “harder” science course; it’s a common misconception that these classes are only “easy outs” from chemistry, physics, and other Regents courses. After taking this class it angers me that people still think this way because we work extremely hard and sometimes I feel that it goes unnoticed by non-Kommer students.
“It’s tough, and there’s a lot of work you need to put into it if you want to do well,” says Molly. “You really need to be dedicated and work hard; it’s probably the equivalent to an AP.” Meaghan says it’s definitely “not your typical high school elective.”
Now don’t let this scare you, because it may be a challenge, but it’s a very self-fulfilling challenge that will open your mind to a new way of learning.
I’ve truly never taken a class in high school as rewarding, enlightening, and thought-provoking as this one. Words cannot express how much I recommend taking one of Kommer’s classes; he is a teacher everyone in the school should know and learn from, because he has so much to offer. I feel sorry for students who walk through these halls for four years without experiencing Kommer’s innovative approach to teaching; so much can be learned about the world we live in by simply stepping into the wet lab.