Science
The science department at EPCHS wants students to know what science is: that it is a process of discovering how the world works. Other fields may use logic on previous information, but science involves logical thinking and testing of a constant inflow of new, additional information.
Science is the best way humans have of understanding how the natural world works. With each new bit of information discovered, we have a sharper focus of the processes of the natural world. Science is descriptive, not prescriptive, ie, it does not show us how the natural world should be, but how it really is. Why is that important? Because using scientific knowledge, humans have been able to expand the lengths of our lives and better the physical qualities of our environment far beyond those of our ancestors. No other human endeavor produces technology, which results in these betterments of our lives, physically.
Science Staff
Martin Hobbs (Lead Teacher) - 309-698-7558 - mhobbs@ep309.org
Martin Hobbs has taught Earth Science and Environmental Science at East Peoria Community High School since 1995. He also has served as the Lead Teacher of the Science Department since 2005. Mr. Hobbs received his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography Education in 1995, and Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 1999, both from Illinois State University. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Geoscience Education from Mississippi State University in 2003. Mr. Hobbs created the district paper recycling program in 1996 and added plastic, tin, and aluminum to the program in 2006. Mr. Hobbs co-sponsors HOPE Club, an environmental themed club. In addition to environmental issues, Mr. Hobbs has a passion for weather and traveling. Mr. Hobbs is an avid gardener, and cook and enjoys playing and watching sports, reading fiction, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.
Megan Beecham - 309-698-7562 - mbeecham@ep309.org
Mrs. Beecham is a long time resident of Central Illinois, graduating from PCHS in 1994. She attended Bradley University, graduating in 2001 with her Bachelor’s degree in Geology-Secondary Education. In 2008, she graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction. Mrs. Beecham currently teaches in the Science Department and is a member of the Freshman Academy Team, and also serves as a Link Crew advisor. In her spare time, Mrs. Beecham loves to spend time with her husband and her daughter.
Sean Poindexter - 309-698-7535 - spoindexter@ep309.org
Mr. Poindexter grew up in Canton and graduated from Canton High School in 2015. He attended Spoon River College and graduated with an Associates degree in 2017. He then transferred to Illinois State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry Teacher Education in 2020. He started teaching at East Peoria High School in 2020. He currently teaches Introduction to Chemistry and Physics, Chemistry 1-2, Physics 1-2, and AP Chemistry. In Mr.Poindexter's free time he enjoys watching sports, frisbee golfing, and spending time with his family.
Mason Tennell - 309-698-7597- mtennell@ep309.org
Mr. Tennell grew up in Pekin and graduated from Pekin Community High School in 2012. He attended Greenville College and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology Education and Environmental Biology. In 2018, he graduated with a Master's degree from Concordia University Portland with a degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Environmental Education. In Mr. Tennell’s free time he enjoys watching sports, exercising, hunting, and spending time with his family and dogs.
Diana Sevier - 309-698-7555 - dsevier@ep309.org
Mrs. Sevier grew up in Pekin, IL and graduated from PCHS in 2018. She attended ICC, played on the Women’s Soccer Team, and graduated in 2020. She attended Bradley University, and graduated in 2022 with her Bachelors in Biomedical Science. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Secondary Biology Education at Western Illinois University and will graduate in spring of 2025. Mrs. Sevier currently teaches Biology, Forensic Science, and Human Anatomy and Physiology in the Science department. Mrs. Sevier also is an NHS advisor and is an assistant coach on the EPCHS Women’s soccer team. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her husband and dog Millie.
Science Resources
Resources coming soon!