CCHS science teacher Mitchell Buccheit offers a multitude of different science subjects for different students and grades. One of her classes is called Botany. Buccheit gained access  to the botany class after its previous teacher retired. In this class, students will learn about plant needs, systems, and structures, and proper gardening.

“I enjoy the class”, Buccheit said,”I love gardening and creating flower designs.” 

This botany class has 2 parts with a required 1 full year in both. These classes are taught at the same time and, on occasion, do the same things. One part of Buccheit’s botany classes is the hands-on gardening activities. These can range from bouquets and boutonnieres, to center pieces and ornaments.

“Playing with flowers is relaxing and good for mental health.” Buccheit said.

This class also requires participation in the greenhouse activities. There, students get to participate in plant care and growth. Though the class is offered for all students, not many people are able to join. This is due to the class’s early arrival requirements, and not many people have the means of transportation to get there on time.

Buccheit finds teachable moments with plants. Students learn new things about the plant while simultaneously working with them.

Joining this class will automatically add you to FFA (aka, Future Farmers of America), a club that focuses on the world’s agriculture. They will often take field trips to see places in relation to the subject, such as the Botanical Gardens of St. Louis and colleges like SIU and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

Due to the purchasing of flowers and any other required materials, this class is also quite expensive. The flowers alone can add up to $200 or more. Even so, the class is quite enjoyable. The smell of the flowers provides for a peaceful and relaxed environment. The designs of the flowers are also up to the creativity of the students.