By Harper E. Every year, Merrill Middle School opens its doors and its minds to exploring the grand world of Science. Sixth and Seventh grade students are challenged to dig into the scientific process to design, implement, and analyze the results of a science project completely centered on their own interests. This year was no exception. From projects about the best kinds of laundry detergents to the results of growing plants to certain types of music, Merrill’s Science Department invited over 50 members of the community to see AND hear about the students’ projects and scientific explorations. Teachers Reflect on the 2018 Science Fair Mrs. Tonya Swanda has taught 6th grade Science for many years and gave an exclusive interview about the process of Science Fair. “Science Fair is important because it’s 6th graders only chance to pick their own project to present in front of a group of people. It really gives an example of the Merrill experience.” The project is graded using an IB Rubric. Swanda also highlighted the extra effort teachers put in to guide students through the process of completing the project. “I feel like a lot of 6th graders are stressed more than they should be, so that is why we have all those helping sessions.” she said the key thing about science fair is you’re telling a story from beginning to end. It becomes a truly immersive experience. Mr. Blake Hammond is a 6th and 7th grade science teacher that has been actively led the Science Fair process for many years. Like Mrs. Swanda, he expressed Science Fair is important because kids get to explore and communicate through the world of science. “From what I've seen 7th graders don’t need as many guidelines and help from teachers or parents. I see quite a few people testing in 6th grade also a lot of what consumer product is the best.” Ms. Kimi Evans expressed her excitement for the turnout for this year’s Science Fair as well as how proud she was of all the students who participated. “I’m always excited to see what the students’ projects come to life after they have completed all their hard work. They do an excellent job presenting to a variety of community members and really represented the best Merrill has to offer.” All of the teachers would like to extend their congratulations to all of this year’s participants, winners, and those who will be continuing on to the District Science Fair In February. Tattletail
Tattletail is a single-player game made by Waygetter Electronics, on December 28, 2016. The player must take care of a pet toy, Baby Talking Tattletail, while avoiding Mama Tattletail, who was recalled from stores. Tattletail takes place five nights before Christmas. Game play feels similar to Five Nights at Freddy’s. Reasons to play:
Reasons NOT to play:
Undertale Undertale is a single-player game made by Toby Fox, published on September 15, 2015. In Undertale you can play three endings.
· Pacifist, where you spare everybody, and make them friends. There are many hidden secrets in Undertale, yet very few of them go unknown. I won’t spoil anything though. Reasons to play:
Reasons NOT to play:
The makers of this game have just released a brand new sequel! Check out Deltarune, available now! By Amanda H.
Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from after school until 4:30 pm, you can interact with classmates playing Ultimate Frisbee in the backyard of Merrill with Mr. Hammond. After talking with the kids who play weekly throughout the year, one participant said “Intramurals is a fun time to hang out with your friends!" The game, Ultimate Frisbee is pretty simple. All you have to do is try to catch the frisbee, make a touchdown, and keep a positive attitude. Intramurals also does basketball and soccer. Every week they have 30 to 35 6th graders attending this opportunity to play team sports at Merrill Middle School. by Harper E. As many of you know, we have a new principal this year and this article will give insight on who she really is. So, who is Ms. Panek? This is her third year at Merrill Middle School and she graduated from Simpson College in 2002 and from Iowa State University in 2009 (please note that even though she went to Iowa State she is a Hawks fan 🙂 ). Her family consists of her husband Jeff and her two daughters Abigail and Eleanor. In addition to a strong background in education, she brings a fresh perspective and positive energy to Merrill Middle School. She “is so positive that she makes everything positive around her” is what Mr. Johnson, the school improvement leader who works with her everyday shared with Gazette staff. This basically sums up her whole personality. Mr. Luft says his favorite part of Ms. Panek is her happy attitude. Many students expressed that she seems very nice and that she really cares about kids. As our new leader, she has exceeded expectations and pushed Merrill to improvement every day. What has she done for Merrill staff and students since taking office in July? She makes people feel welcome and important, she tries to learn every sixth grader’s name even though to everyone else it may seem like an impossible task--not to Ms. Panek. She is driven to be a good person. In addition to her welcoming attitude, she makes it her job to make sure students have the freshest food and a lunchtime that is as enjoyable as possible. She said her best part of her day is being with the students. Support. Challenge. Push. Wise words from a wise person. Overall, Merrill staff and students agree that our new leader is a positive and caring individual who is proud to be a Mustang and dedicated to supporting all the new and growing Mustangs here at Merrill. Dear Tessa,
I am not very good in science and I don’t know what to do! -Stuck in Science Dear Stuck in Science, Maybe you should try to study at home. Or set up a one on one study time with your teacher, or just to work out what you can do to help you get better. -Tessa by Prior Van Heukelom Did you register to vote? If you’re under the age of 18, you probably didn’t, but that’s ok. However, voting and getting registered to vote is extremely important, especially in this political climate. Midterm elections are on November 6th, which means a lot of voters are going to be heading to the polls (hopefully). First, what is a midterm election? Well, it’s all in the name. Midterm elections occur in the middle of a presidential term. During midterms, all kind of seats are up for office. For the 2018 midterms, all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives are being elected, along with 1/3 of US senators, 38 governors, and numerous local elections. This election season, Republicans have an 85% chance of winning control of the senate, vs a 14% chance for Democrats. As for the House of Representatives, Republicans have a 22% chance of winning, vs a 78% chance for Democrats. Now, why is voting so important? Aren’t a ton of other people voting anyway? Sure, but votes still matter. A lot. In 2016, over half of eligible voters chose not to vote. Why? Most people were unhappy with the candidates or unmotivated to vote because things could only get worse. How is anything going to get better if you don’t vote? That’s the point of democracy. Democracy gives citizens the opportunity to use their voice to influence the government. You may not care on election day, but what about four years later? You can never go back. So, what should you do? If you know someone who’s eligible to vote, tell them to vote! As for eligible voters, get registered to vote and show up. Opinion by Precious M. & Lulu R.
February 14, 2018 was a haunting day for America, this was the day that Nikolas Cruz decided to take his registered AR-15 into Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas Highschool, intending to tear lives apart. There have been 18 school shootings this year alone, and it seems the only time we call these to our attention is when another innocent person has had their life and future stolen away from them because of one induvial with a gun. Cruz did just that, the former Douglas high student, stole the future of 17 different students because he had a gun and he had a purpose. So, to our lawmakers I ask, how many more people have to die for you to take action? I don’t want to use people’s lost lives as a political stand or to push out my opinion unto others, but people are dying and almost no action is happening to help them. Now is not the time for parties to conflict. It’s not time to fight and divide ourselves more. It is time to take a stand. If you want to take actions there are thing you can do, fights you can join. You can still help. Sign a petition for mental illness awareness or participate in March for Our Lives movements with so many others. But the time for action is NOW! Click the document link to see the first issue!
|
The Merrill Gazette Staff...
|