At Salem Community High School, the science classroom isn’t just a place for memorizing facts and formulas. It’s a dynamic environment where students are encouraged to explore, question, and apply their knowledge to the world around them. With programs that bring abstract concepts to life and tools that make science interactive, the school’s science department is preparing students for a future shaped by technology, environmental challenges, and medical advancements. The department has evolved into a hub of hands-on learning, where students tackle real-world issues like climate change, alternative energy, and genetics. “Science is about more than facts,” Telford explains. “It’s about understanding the world we live in and figuring out how we can take care of it.”

The program’s strength lies in its balance between rigorous academic content and practical, realworld applications. Salem students don’t just learn about science—they engage with it. With tools and opportunities like data collection probes and a new STEM club, the program offers students opportunities to solve real-world problems and explore their curiosity. Telford and her colleagues are committed to creating an environment where science is not confined to the pages of a textbook but is instead a living, breathing subject that can shape the future.

One of the cornerstones of the program is the focus on hands-on experiences. Students not only dive into scientific principles in the classroom but also get the chance to apply those principles through innovative projects and extracurricular programs. The STEM club, for instance, will encourage students to think critically about issues facing the world today, from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture. “When students can see how the concepts they’re learning apply in real life, that’s when their understanding truly deepens,” Telford explains.

In 2020, a generous donation was made to the science department in honor of Harold Thurman, SCHS class of ‘52, who became a professor of geology and oceanography in California. Thurman authored many Science textbooks and his generosity has made what will surely be a lasting impact on the program. This contribution has enhanced the educational tools available to students, enriching the classroom experience and underscoring the close bond between the school and its alumni. For example, this donation enabled the purchase of probes to help collect data for labs which plug right into iPads used for analysis. The donation not only improved the learning environment but also reminded students of the long-lasting connections that Salem fosters among its graduates.

The program’s commitment to evolving with the times has also earned it the support of the local community. Salem’s businesses and former students continue to invest in the school’s future, ensuring that the science department has the resources it needs to grow. “The support we receive from the community is overwhelming,” Telford notes. “It allows us to keep pushing forward and shows our students just how much this town values education.”

While the science department prepares students for careers in fields like healthcare, engineering, and environmental science, its broader mission is to develop informed, responsible citizens. Whether students go on to pursue careers in science or not, they leave the program with the critical thinking skills and curiosity needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Salem Community High School’s science program is about more than just shaping future scientists; it’s about equipping students with the tools to understand the world and make a difference. With a strong foundation in both scientific principles and real-world application, the program ensures that students leave ready to face whatever challenges the future may hold.