Photo taken by Ariana Guzman
Amorette Drexler has been working at South Salem High School since 2020. The classes she teaches are 9th grade physics, IB Environmental Systems and Societies years one and two. The IB class is a two year course with an option to test in the second year, students can also get two credits by taking two years of a science course and if wanted could fulfill a requirement for the IB or CP diplomas. In this IB class, students are required to spend time outside in the field.
“We go out a lot! This class is an interesting mix of science and sociology, so we learn about science, economics, human behaviors and discuss issues together,” Drexler said.
IB classes can range in difficulty, all while still being harder than regular credit classes. On a scale of one to ten and ten being the most difficult Drexler thinks that her IB class would be at a five.
“I would say it is about a five, it has a reputation of being a class for those who are not sure IB is for them, and I love that. I do want it to be both engaging but also accessible and I strive to keep it at about that level. There are some possible extra challenges coming up for students in ESS that would add an extra level to it,” Drexler said.
The Differences
Drexler’s IB class is completely different from the biology class most students would take their junior year. It is also different from the other IB science classes because it is the only class that focuses on the environment.
“There is no regular course like this one at all! This is the only environmental class and the only interdisciplinary science course at South,” Drexler said.
Drexler’s Favorite Activities
Some of Drexler’s favorite activities her and the IB do is going outside and also going on field trips
“Go to the creek and look for macroinvertebrates (insects that are small but can be seen with your eyes and don’t have a backbone) and we usually get to take a field trip for Salmon Watch and raise salmon in the classroom too,” Drexler said.
Other Important Information
Some other information Drexler would like others to know is that the IB Environmental science is very outdoors based, but it also has elements of other sciences classes as well, like learning in the classroom.
“I would love for people to know that this course is outdoor focused, of course, but also that we value discussion and thinking about the world holistically without putting science in one box and society in another; we cannot understand one without the other. Knowing about the world you live in and on is critical work. I would love to see everyone take this class,
Drexler said.
