SHS Science Teacher attends Science P.L.U.S. Institute

Few fields have changed more in the last few years than the field of science. Because of this, teaching the various sciences to high school students requires teachers to stay abreast of new developments and try to find sources for new equipment, especially in the field of biology. The School District of Oconee County has many high quality teachers who provide instruction to students. One of these is Seneca High School (SHS) science teacher Emily Boettcher, a Health Sciences major from Clemson University. “Because of my background, I really enjoy biology,” said Mrs. Boettcher. “Biology is the basis of everything and can inform all the other sciences.” This year, which is Mrs. Boettcher’s second year teaching, she is teaching Forensics, Biology, and Physical Science. “A friend told me about Roper Mountain Science Center,” Boettcher said. “I found out that I could get training as well as materials, so I put in an application for their summer courses. I was accepted to the Biology course and attended over the summer. It was especially convenient that the course was held on Clemson University campus. The course was very hands-on and lasted for four full days and a half day on Friday. I received materials to conduct every experiment we went through along with a binder full of lesson plans. This will be a huge help to me in the classroom! I was able to bring back six new racks of test tubes to use in class as well as a micro-pipette. I will use this one for the entire class, but it will allow the students to be exposed to something new. I didn’t see one of these until I was in college!” The School District of Oconee County is very fortunate to have teachers with scientific backgrounds who can provide quality instruction to students. The district also appreciates teachers who are passionate about doing a good job in the classroom and who are willing to attend extra training on their own time. “I would encourage anyone who teaches science to look into what Roper Mountain offers,” Mrs. Boettcher said. “It is definitely a great resource and is very convenient to this area.” The Roper Mountain Science P.L.U.S. Institute is funded by grants from the state of South Carolina. The courses provide intensive training in science teaching methods and activities to public school science teachers from throughout the state. A major goal of the Science P.L.U.S. Institute is to provide teachers the resources needed to do hands-on science activities with their students. Each participant receives science materials and supplies to duplicate lessons learned. By providing new skills, enhanced content knowledge, and tested ideas with participants, Science P.L.U.S. enables teachers to return to their classrooms with confidence and renewed enthusiasm for science instruction. For more information or to apply to the Science P.L.U.S. Institute, teachers should contact Roper Mountain Science Center at www.ropermountain.org.