News
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Percy Jackson: The Origin
By Rebekah Cochard Created by an author, Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson is a young boy who was created as a story character for stories Riordan had made for his son Haley. His son had been studying Greek Mythology in 2nd grade, and requested them as bedtime stories. Eventually Riordan ran out of existing myths. Haley suggested he make up his own, with existing mythological creatures incorporated into the story. Thus, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief was born. What Is Agriculture? By Rebekah Cochard Agriculture. What do you think about when you hear that word? Maybe you think about an old farmer in front of a corn field or maybe you have heard about Ag education classes that some schools have. Does the word mean anything to you? The definition of agriculture is “the science, art, or occupation concerned with cultivating land, raising crops, an feeding, breeding, and raising livestock; farming.” To put it simply, agriculture is the science of growing plants, working with the land, and raising animals. |
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The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece
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Fruity Misconceptions
By Marshall Brown There always have been some strange classifications when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Many people have argued whether or not produce items such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are fruits or vegetables; those three actually being fruits. But despite this, in the produce section all of those "fruits" are grouped together with actual vegetables such as broccoli and carrots. There has been lots of confusion and debates due to these inconsistencies. But what exactly are fruits? According to botanists, fruits are the part of a flowering plant that comes from the ovary. Fruits were made to harbor and distribute seeds of the plant. Vegetables have a much broader definition: any edible part of a plant that isn't considered a fruit. Even when it comes to classifying fruit, it can be difficult. For example, we all know that strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all, well, berries right? Well, they aren't! These so called "berries" are derived from a singular flower with multiple ovaries. This classifies them as aggregate fruits. Real berries come from a single flower with one ovary. Oddly enough, fruits such as bananas and pumpkins are actually berries! |
Aussie Jelly
By Joe Babin
Have you ever wanted to go to Australia? Here are all the reasons why you shouldn’t! Australia is a beautiful country full of wild outbacks and stunning coastlines. However, it is also a country with a reputation for deadly animals, among other things. One of these creatures is a deadly little jellyfish known as the irukandji found mostly in the northern coast of Australia.
The irukandji got its name from an aboriginal tribe that lived in the Palm Cove region of Northern Queensland. They are incredibly venomous and believed to be the most poisonous creature in the world. The reason this jellyfish is so dangerous is not only due to its venomous sting, but also to its small size. The bell of the irukandji is approximately 5 to 25 millimeters (0.20-0.98 in.), and the tentacles can reach up to a meter (3.3 ft.) in length. If stung by this jellyfish, you will have a mild sting, but within approximately 30 minutes or so, you will start to develop “irukandji syndrome,” which consists of the following: muscle cramps in extremities, chest, and abdomen; sweating, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, palpitations, headache, restlessness, ect… Scientists are optimistic about having found a possible cure, but they remain cautious in the use of the antidote. Until then, I hope to see you enjoying the Australian Outback!
By Joe Babin
Have you ever wanted to go to Australia? Here are all the reasons why you shouldn’t! Australia is a beautiful country full of wild outbacks and stunning coastlines. However, it is also a country with a reputation for deadly animals, among other things. One of these creatures is a deadly little jellyfish known as the irukandji found mostly in the northern coast of Australia.
The irukandji got its name from an aboriginal tribe that lived in the Palm Cove region of Northern Queensland. They are incredibly venomous and believed to be the most poisonous creature in the world. The reason this jellyfish is so dangerous is not only due to its venomous sting, but also to its small size. The bell of the irukandji is approximately 5 to 25 millimeters (0.20-0.98 in.), and the tentacles can reach up to a meter (3.3 ft.) in length. If stung by this jellyfish, you will have a mild sting, but within approximately 30 minutes or so, you will start to develop “irukandji syndrome,” which consists of the following: muscle cramps in extremities, chest, and abdomen; sweating, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, palpitations, headache, restlessness, ect… Scientists are optimistic about having found a possible cure, but they remain cautious in the use of the antidote. Until then, I hope to see you enjoying the Australian Outback!
Je Suis Charlie
By Rebekah Cochard
“Je Suis Charlie,” or “I am Charlie,” that's what has been circling around the media the past couple of weeks. If you have never heard that saying before, it sprung up after a mass shooting in Paris, France. Targeted at the magazine Charlie Hebdo, this shooting was spurred by religious and political issues, one possible motive is because of the Charlie Hebdo cartoon artists depicting jokes about Islamic leaders, and Muhammad. This attack not only killed editor of the magazine, but 7 other employees, 2 police officers, and wounded 11 others. This was a senseless act of terrorism, and a jolt of reality to some people.
By Rebekah Cochard
“Je Suis Charlie,” or “I am Charlie,” that's what has been circling around the media the past couple of weeks. If you have never heard that saying before, it sprung up after a mass shooting in Paris, France. Targeted at the magazine Charlie Hebdo, this shooting was spurred by religious and political issues, one possible motive is because of the Charlie Hebdo cartoon artists depicting jokes about Islamic leaders, and Muhammad. This attack not only killed editor of the magazine, but 7 other employees, 2 police officers, and wounded 11 others. This was a senseless act of terrorism, and a jolt of reality to some people.
The Haunch Rodent of the South
By Marshall Brown
Typically when you hear the word “rodent,” you think of small furry creatures such as mice and bunnies. But do you know what the largest rodent in the world is? Well, the answer is the capybara. Not many people have heard of this colossal creature. They can grow up to be 2 and one-half feet long, and weigh up to 145 pounds! Their name comes from the Tupi language, which is native to Brazil. The literal translation is “one who eats slender leaves.”
They live in South America: mainly in Brazil and Venezuela. These animals are semi-aquatic, so they prefer to live next to rivers in the wetlands of the country. They use the rivers and resources around them to their full advantage. The soil around the wet lands is very fertile, so there are plenty of plants for the capybaras to enjoy. Aside from drinking, they use the water from the rivers to hide from predators on land.
Capybaras aren’t solitary creatures; they live in large groups of up to about 30 animals. On one rare occasion a group of 100 capybaras was observed! There a lot more female capybaras then males, with ratio being about 1 male to 8 females. When capybaras are attacked by a predator with nowhere to escape, they surround the younger members and bravely fend off their adversaries.
By Marshall Brown
Typically when you hear the word “rodent,” you think of small furry creatures such as mice and bunnies. But do you know what the largest rodent in the world is? Well, the answer is the capybara. Not many people have heard of this colossal creature. They can grow up to be 2 and one-half feet long, and weigh up to 145 pounds! Their name comes from the Tupi language, which is native to Brazil. The literal translation is “one who eats slender leaves.”
They live in South America: mainly in Brazil and Venezuela. These animals are semi-aquatic, so they prefer to live next to rivers in the wetlands of the country. They use the rivers and resources around them to their full advantage. The soil around the wet lands is very fertile, so there are plenty of plants for the capybaras to enjoy. Aside from drinking, they use the water from the rivers to hide from predators on land.
Capybaras aren’t solitary creatures; they live in large groups of up to about 30 animals. On one rare occasion a group of 100 capybaras was observed! There a lot more female capybaras then males, with ratio being about 1 male to 8 females. When capybaras are attacked by a predator with nowhere to escape, they surround the younger members and bravely fend off their adversaries.
In 1781, Benjamin Franklin decided to write about a truly important scientific topic: flatulence.
By Warren Elliot
"It is well known, that digesting our food, there is created or produced in the bowels of humans, 'a great quantity of wind,'" Franklin wrote in an essay variously known as "To the Royal Academy of Farting" or simply "Fart Proudly." "That the permitting this Air to escape and mix with the Atmosphere, is usually offensive to the Company, from the bad Smell that accompanies it.”
Franklin's reason for taking up the topic of farting was "to urge the Royal Academy of Brussels,” which had put out a call for scientific papers, to take up the goal of discovering "some Drug to be mixed with our Food, and Sauces, that would replace the natural “Discharges” of “Wind from our Bodies”, and also...Benjamin Franklin wants you to fart proudly.
Adapted from The Inquistr News
By Warren Elliot
"It is well known, that digesting our food, there is created or produced in the bowels of humans, 'a great quantity of wind,'" Franklin wrote in an essay variously known as "To the Royal Academy of Farting" or simply "Fart Proudly." "That the permitting this Air to escape and mix with the Atmosphere, is usually offensive to the Company, from the bad Smell that accompanies it.”
Franklin's reason for taking up the topic of farting was "to urge the Royal Academy of Brussels,” which had put out a call for scientific papers, to take up the goal of discovering "some Drug to be mixed with our Food, and Sauces, that would replace the natural “Discharges” of “Wind from our Bodies”, and also...Benjamin Franklin wants you to fart proudly.
Adapted from The Inquistr News
Maori Man-Eaters
By Joe Babin
New Zealand is full of beautiful nature and wildlife, but there is a lot to the “kiwi” culture, as well.
The small island was originally inhabited by the Maori people, coming from a mythical Polynesian country called Hawaiki. The Maori people traveled across the ocean on small, ocean-going canoes. After they had settled the island, warring tribes often fought over land and resources. The tribes went to war against each other constantly, and one chief managed to go to England and get guns and ammunition, sparking the musket wars.
In 1839, the New Zealand Company was ordered to seize New Zealand under British control. This in itself sparked wars between the natives and the British, resulting in many casualties on both sides. In the year 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, though it did nothing to stop the Maori uprisings.
All throughout the 1840s, the Maori people fought against British rule, and, though they had a disadvantage in weaponry, their tactics were effective. They created forts called pa, made out of earth and trees, which the British soldiers would have to climb over, leading them to come face to face with the ferocious Maori warriors. Another form of intimidating their opponents was their war chants. They would perform a dance called the haka, which consisted of violent body slapping, foot stamping, and tongue protrusion. It sounds strange, but the movements were meant to show strength and unity; and the tongue protrusion was also used to describe how they would eat their opponents. In Maori culture, the victors of a battle would cook the bodies of the losers and eat them, believing that they would gain the strength of the enemy by doing so.
The fighting continued until one Thomas Grey separated the island into districts and created a parliament, finally leading to stability within the country. The wars came to an end as the natives earned rights and started to live like the British. To this day, New Zealand still has a Maori population of 14%, combined with 69% European descent, 9% Asian, and 6% pacific islanders. The Maori culture is still a big part of Kiwi living; even the haka is still performed before rugby matches.
By Joe Babin
New Zealand is full of beautiful nature and wildlife, but there is a lot to the “kiwi” culture, as well.
The small island was originally inhabited by the Maori people, coming from a mythical Polynesian country called Hawaiki. The Maori people traveled across the ocean on small, ocean-going canoes. After they had settled the island, warring tribes often fought over land and resources. The tribes went to war against each other constantly, and one chief managed to go to England and get guns and ammunition, sparking the musket wars.
In 1839, the New Zealand Company was ordered to seize New Zealand under British control. This in itself sparked wars between the natives and the British, resulting in many casualties on both sides. In the year 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, though it did nothing to stop the Maori uprisings.
All throughout the 1840s, the Maori people fought against British rule, and, though they had a disadvantage in weaponry, their tactics were effective. They created forts called pa, made out of earth and trees, which the British soldiers would have to climb over, leading them to come face to face with the ferocious Maori warriors. Another form of intimidating their opponents was their war chants. They would perform a dance called the haka, which consisted of violent body slapping, foot stamping, and tongue protrusion. It sounds strange, but the movements were meant to show strength and unity; and the tongue protrusion was also used to describe how they would eat their opponents. In Maori culture, the victors of a battle would cook the bodies of the losers and eat them, believing that they would gain the strength of the enemy by doing so.
The fighting continued until one Thomas Grey separated the island into districts and created a parliament, finally leading to stability within the country. The wars came to an end as the natives earned rights and started to live like the British. To this day, New Zealand still has a Maori population of 14%, combined with 69% European descent, 9% Asian, and 6% pacific islanders. The Maori culture is still a big part of Kiwi living; even the haka is still performed before rugby matches.
Big Holes in the Ozone
By Marshall Brown
Have you ever wondered why we don’t shrivel up and get burned in the sun? The reason is the protective layer in the atmosphere called the ozone. Despite how vital the ozone is, it’s very scarce. There are only about 3 molecules of ozone for every 10 million air molecules.
The ozone is mainly found in two areas of our atmosphere. About 90% of the ozone is found in an area that begins around 8 miles above the earth's surface and extends up to roughly 30 miles high. This specific region in the atmosphere is called the stratosphere. The collective ozone in this area is commonly called the ozone layer. The remaining 10% of the ozone is found in the lower regions of the atmosphere called the troposphere.
So what exactly does ozone do? The ozone molecules in both the troposphere and stratosphere are both same: they are three oxygen molecules (03). However, they have very different effects depending on which layer of the atmosphere they are in. The ozone in the stratosphere benefits us by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, greatly reducing the amount of UV rays that reach the earth. In fact, the absorption of ultraviolet radiation is what creates the stratosphere itself. When the molecules in the ozone absorb the UV rays, a source of heat is created by the reaction. Because of this, the higher you get in the atmosphere, the hotter it gets. Not only does the ozone layer protect us from ultraviolet radiation, but it also regulates the temperature in the atmosphere. The ozone in the troposphere is considered the “bad” kind. Down near the earth's surface, the ozone comes into contact with various organic molecules, which cause strong reactions that can create toxic levels of ozone. This can affect various aspects of life including the production of crops, the growth of plants, and human health.
Various human activities can create issues on both layers of the ozone. The emission of cars and factories are two of the biggest contributors to toxicity in the ozone. The collective emission from these kinds of machines can form smog in the air that is harmful to breathe in. The damage done to the stratosphere by these man-made molecules creates one of the biggest concerns regarding our ecosystem: holes in the ozone layer. These harmful molecules have a specific name: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Various things can produce CFCs: such as aerosols, smoke, machine emissions, and air conditioning.
So what can we do to help this issue? You can help by simply reducing the amount of CFCs you produce on a daily basis; whether it means cutting out on the AC a bit, riding your bike instead of driving, or by even spreading the word. Many people are not aware of the problems regarding the ozone layer and CFCs, so raising the awareness of these issues, one person at a time, can make a big difference.
By Marshall Brown
Have you ever wondered why we don’t shrivel up and get burned in the sun? The reason is the protective layer in the atmosphere called the ozone. Despite how vital the ozone is, it’s very scarce. There are only about 3 molecules of ozone for every 10 million air molecules.
The ozone is mainly found in two areas of our atmosphere. About 90% of the ozone is found in an area that begins around 8 miles above the earth's surface and extends up to roughly 30 miles high. This specific region in the atmosphere is called the stratosphere. The collective ozone in this area is commonly called the ozone layer. The remaining 10% of the ozone is found in the lower regions of the atmosphere called the troposphere.
So what exactly does ozone do? The ozone molecules in both the troposphere and stratosphere are both same: they are three oxygen molecules (03). However, they have very different effects depending on which layer of the atmosphere they are in. The ozone in the stratosphere benefits us by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, greatly reducing the amount of UV rays that reach the earth. In fact, the absorption of ultraviolet radiation is what creates the stratosphere itself. When the molecules in the ozone absorb the UV rays, a source of heat is created by the reaction. Because of this, the higher you get in the atmosphere, the hotter it gets. Not only does the ozone layer protect us from ultraviolet radiation, but it also regulates the temperature in the atmosphere. The ozone in the troposphere is considered the “bad” kind. Down near the earth's surface, the ozone comes into contact with various organic molecules, which cause strong reactions that can create toxic levels of ozone. This can affect various aspects of life including the production of crops, the growth of plants, and human health.
Various human activities can create issues on both layers of the ozone. The emission of cars and factories are two of the biggest contributors to toxicity in the ozone. The collective emission from these kinds of machines can form smog in the air that is harmful to breathe in. The damage done to the stratosphere by these man-made molecules creates one of the biggest concerns regarding our ecosystem: holes in the ozone layer. These harmful molecules have a specific name: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Various things can produce CFCs: such as aerosols, smoke, machine emissions, and air conditioning.
So what can we do to help this issue? You can help by simply reducing the amount of CFCs you produce on a daily basis; whether it means cutting out on the AC a bit, riding your bike instead of driving, or by even spreading the word. Many people are not aware of the problems regarding the ozone layer and CFCs, so raising the awareness of these issues, one person at a time, can make a big difference.