Change the world with a career in Environmental Science
Environmental Science courses focus on the various interactions between ecosystems, wetlands, forests, wildlife, natural resources, and humans, and how all of this impacts the environment. In addition to earning an OSHA certification, students can earn Industry Certifications for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate and also Natural Resource Specialist.
Check out our CHS Environmental Science Courses and Descriptions
Introduction to Environmental Science Resources 2
This core course is designed to develop competencies in the areas of the environmental sciences in Florida, including natural resources, scientific investigation, laboratory skills, scientific and technological concepts, and principles of leadership and career opportunities. Laboratory-based activities and field studies are an integral part of this course. Some of the topics covered include Florida ecosystems, hydrology, dendrology, geology, as well as soil, land, wetland and wildlife management.
What is Dendrology? Watch the video to find out.
What is OSHA? Watch the video to find out.
Environmental Resource Technology 3
This course is designed to develop competencies in the areas of topography; water treatment; stormwater systems; Geographic Informational and Global Positioning Systems; environmental standards and regulations; scientific and research concepts; principles of leadership and career opportunities. Laboratory-based activities and field studies are an integral part of this course. At the conclusion of this course, students will participate in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification course and will also have the opportunity to certify in Agricultural Education Services and Technology (AEST) Natural Resources Specialist.
Natural Resources Management 4
This course is designed to develop deep competencies in the areas of land management, wildlife management, forestry and silviculture, leadership skills and career opportunities. Laboratory-based activities and field studies are an integral part of this course.
What is silviculture? Watch the video to find out.
Students working on a grant investigation on water quality of the St. Johns River in partnership with the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Advanced Natural Resources 5
This course is designed to develop competencies in the areas of ecosystems, pest management, wildlife, ecology restoration, planning and administering land uses, principles of leadership and career opportunities. Laboratory-based activities and field studies are an integral part of this course. Students at this level are eligible to take Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate industry certification.
What is LEED Green Associate Certification? Watch the video to find out.
Student Testimonials
Abigail Wisdom
Class of 2022
“The academy has given me several unique learning opportunities to aide in my career path down the road. My time so far has been spent getting hours of field experience, professional level certifications, and strong leadership and communication skills. Due to some of the material I have learned thus far, my eyes have really been opened to the struggles happening in the environment and has fueled my passion for protecting it. All labs, field trips, and activities have prepared me for college and what I want to study down the road, and in the process has made me realize how much of an environmentalist I have become. This academy was made for those who love being outside and getting their hands dirty, so if you enjoy those things I highly recommend this academy for you!”
Emma Fader
Class of 2021
“This academy has helped me learn so much about the environment and ways that people have helped and how people can help. The main thing that I love about this academy is how hands on it is. We get to do a lot of field work outside in the wetlands on campus. Not only do we get to work outside, but we also get to go on a lot of awesome field trips that have really helped me learn about real life environmental work. This academy has also helped me make so many amazing relationships. I have been in this academy for four years now with the same people and we have built an amazing bond that I am so lucky to have. I am so glad that I joined this academy. It has really made my high school experience fun.”
Take a closer Look
Click below to watch Ms. Pressel’s Video submission to the Esri School Teacher Video Challenge! This explains how she uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the classroom!
Click below to learn more about how the CHS Environmental Academy courses partner with St. Johns River Water Management District to take learning beyond the classroom.
Want to know more about the Blue School Grant Program? Click below for more details.
Meet our Teacher
Alicia Pressel
Teacher for all levels
Ali Pressel helped open the doors of Creekside in 2008 and currently teaches within the Academy of Engineering and Environmental Sciences and Advanced Placement Environmental Science. Mrs. Pressel helps students learn traditional laboratory science skills, as well as hands-on field research and STEM project-based collaboration within her science classroom. Over the past decade, Mrs. Pressel has taught many courses related to the environmental sciences. Mrs. Pressel is co-sponsor of the Environmental Club and sponsor of the Geospatial Mapping Club. Mrs. Pressel graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Following her undergraduate degree, she worked with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection mapping endangered plant communities in using GIS technologies. She began her teaching career in Maryland before moving to Florida in 2007 to work with St. Johns County Public Schools. Mrs. Pressel completed her M.S. in Biological Sciences in 2009.
Mrs. Pressel considers herself a lifelong learner. She is a National Geographic Certified Educator, integrating citizen science to help students be better prepared for the world around them upon graduation. She works with the CollegeBoard as an AP Reader for Advanced Placement Environmental Science to collaborate with teachers nationwide on current science issues and help her students stay up-to-date on important AP topics, and she has recently completed her professional certification as a LEED Green Associate with the U.S. Green Building Council to help her Academy students better prepare projects in sustainable design and green building. She is an active member of the National Science Teacher Association and regularly speaks at national conferences regarding the values of STEM education in Academy programs.
For more information
Email Ms. Kelly, the Career Academy Program Specialist, [email protected]