AP Environmental Science Teacher, Kristi Schertz, teaches high schoolers how to explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, while examining solutions for resolving and preventing those problems. She accomplishes all of this through their computers. The AP Environmental Science class is one of several classes offered online at SCCS. “Kids learn to self-advocate, communicate and be proactive with their education with this class format,” shared Mrs. Schertz. Eleventh, twelfth and a few ambitious tenth graders pursue the AP Science class.
Kristi Schertz, an SCCS parent, has taught AP Environmental Science for thirteen years. “I continue to teach the course online because I love APES. It’s an exciting and relevant course to teach and for students to take. Teaching an online section at a Christian school also helps me mentor new APES teachers that work in all types of schools with all types of class formats. I am an AP Reader (grade AP exams nationally) and have recently trained as an AP Consultant (lead workshops and summer institutes for AP).”
Also a fulltime teacher at Saugus High School, Mrs. Schertz shared that the online version of APES still gives students a chance for labs. “Some tests are online, others are given at school with a proctor during study hall or after school and we have a few Saturday sessions each year for an exams and labs. I get to see the kids face to face about a half dozen times during the year.”
Students who earn a passing score on the AP test receive college credit for their efforts. Mrs. Schertz uses the online tools to prepare her students for the AP exam. “The kids access the course through our textbook’s online portal—it has a calendar of assignments that I program. The online portal (Mastering Environmental Science by Pearson) has reading quizzes, tutorials and practice problems. In addition, students use Edpuzzle.com to watch lecture video and other instructional videos.”
SCCS students learn about environmental science and related changes through a faith-based lens. “The course teaches how we can take care of God’s creation and practice good stewardship of natural resources,” added Mrs. Schertz. “Protecting the environment is also a way to help the poor and needy of this world (as Christ taught) who are disproportionately affected by pollution, deforestation and other environmental problems.”