Advancing Science at CHS
By Leah Lourenco
In modern times, it seems that STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) careers are being pushed more and more, not just locally, but on a global scale. The CHS Science Department is engaged in promoting the importance of STEM and increasing student interest in science-related careers.
Mrs. Nancy Thorne, science department chair and long-term teacher, mentioned some points regarding the current push of students to STEM careers. She agrees that STEM careers are important, but she believes that the term “STEM” is often overused. The term needs to be better defined if so many students are going to be pushed in that direction. The broad interpretation and widespread use of STEM is harmful because there are so many careers that are hidden within the four-letter acronym. Using the term doesn’t properly represent the various careers to students.
Mrs. Stacy Surber teaches a plethora of college-level science classes and has for many years. She said that she doesn’t really push students to STEM because she wants students to be able to choose what actually interests them. She talks about science careers in class to expose students to possible career options, but she doesn’t want a student to be pushed in a direction that they wouldn’t enjoy. Mrs. Surber was clear that you don’t have to have the best scores to be successful in STEM, “If their drive is STEM, then I want students to know those careers are not just for those who score at the top of the class but that other skills and curiosity are just as important.” She also recognizes that students interested in STEM can be limited by our rural area, and wants those students to have access to all of the resources that are available to further their career.
The appeal of science to students seems to be increasing, especially at CHS. In any given class you can expect to hear the murmur of students talking about what labs the science classes are doing. Mrs. Thorne stressed the importance of hands-on lessons, such as labs, that get the students thinking about the concepts. Some recent labs that her classes have done are a bubble lab, which is used to display how cell membranes work; a potato lab, which shows properties of osmosis; and outdoor labs involving ecosystems. She said that the district has always been good about funding lab materials. Mrs. Surber said that she tries to make lessons correlate with events that are happening in the real world, so that the students can realize the importance of the concept.
These strategies have worked for Mrs. Thorne and Mrs. Surber, but they weren’t perfected overnight. Mrs. Thorne said students are always changing, so it is important to try to adapt to the current class’s learning style. Mrs. Surber has learned how to keep students engaged even if they are not motivated enough to do it alone. She helps students study in class and breaks up units into smaller lessons to make sure everyone can keep up. Group work was also mentioned, as high school students are social by nature and tend to respond better to learning with their friends in groups.
Science Fair is an extracurricular activity sponsored by Mrs. Surber at the high school. It has not been as popular in recent years, with only one or two students participating each year. Mrs. Surber says she is noticing a lack of understanding of the scientific process in students, and she believes that this is caused by the lack of emphasis on Science Fair. Science Fair is the best way to teach the scientific method because it requires the student to create and execute their own experiment, but it is losing funding, even at the international level. Sometimes it sparks a new interest and that student ends up in a STEM career.
There is also something to be said about the emphasis on science at the middle school and even elementary level. Mrs. Thorne credits a lot of student interest in science with the recent early incorporation of science curriculum. Schools have begun to show younger students labs and science concepts, so that by the time they reach high school, students have been exposed to science.
Teachers of all subjects have also had to adapt to teaching during COVID and online education. The science department has made excellent use of online lab programs and sometimes recorded lessons. The future of science will be largely determined by pre-collegiate education, but it is safe to say that the CHS science department is preparing students to be the best that they can be.
Leggings: A Fashion Forever or a Fashion Fad?
By Kadence Shipers
Leggings have been a fashion-forward choice for most young adults and continue to thrive in numerous people’s wardrobes. Leggings continue to evolve (born in the 14th century according to whowhatwear.com) and set trends in the world of fashion. Leggings may be the preferred pant choice now, but will that be true in the next few years?
In a recent survey of junior and senior girls, approximately 96% own at least one pair of leggings, while the other 4% said leggings are not included in their everyday wardrobe. The survey also reported that 94% of girls who do wear leggings, wear them more than once a week--some wear leggings as much as three times a week (29%). It was concluded from the survey, that most girls (60%) prefer leggings as their everyday pant choice, but 40% believed that there were better options such as sweatpants, yoga pants, and jeans. This evidence is surprising because more than half of the girls who wear leggings said they wear them more than 3 times a week, so one would assume that they would be the most adopted pant selection.
The students also had a lot to say about leggings and explained the reasonings behind why they like them so much. Approximately 80% of girls said they could not picture a time where leggings are not an option in their wardrobe. They also provided reasons why: they are comfortable to wear (85%), they go with mostly everything (70%), and they boost body confidence (43%). The remaining 20% of students who felt that leggings will, at some point, go out of style, also made up the percentage of people who do not wear or only wear leggings as a last resort.
So this brings us back to the question: Will leggings continue to thrive and become a fashion forever or will they eventually get lost in the fashion industry? All the evidence suggests that you will see leggings in future years. Most women like wearing leggings because they’re comfortable, flexible with outfits, and promote body confidence. Leggings also continue to evolve in the fashion industry, setting trends since the 1960s. It is clear to say that leggings ARE a fashion forever and the universal pants will continue to be seen on all social media platforms, whether it be for style tips or the latest trends of 2020.
Staff Spotlight: Principal Dan Nagel
By Claire Ripley
You may know Mr. Dan Nagel as “just the principal,” or “the guy that always tells me to wear my ID,” but he's really a person who cares deeply about CHS, our town, our students, and his family.
Mr. Nagel went to the University of Central Missouri earning his Bachelor of Science degree in social studies. After graduation, he taught and coached at Wellington-Napoleon and then at Marceline where he taught half a day and was athletic director for the other half. He also coached football and basketball at Marceline. Ten years ago Mr. Nagel became the CHS assistant principal and athletic director before becoming principal in 2017.
Being a principal comes with the good and the bad. Mr. Nagel says the best thing about his job is being able to meet so many different people and being someone who can impact lives in a positive way. He said there is no other job that you can walk into and impact the 615 students we have this year and the new students every year afterward. Being the principal takes a lot of time and energy which is his least favorite thing about his job. Time management is very difficult when it comes to being in charge of the high school. It’s hard to do a good job in the high school building as well as spend quality time with family and those around him.
Flexibility is necessary as well. Mr. Nagel’s days are never the same: some days he is observing teachers and students around the school in the classroom, some days he is signing contracts or working on schedules, every day he deals with 150-200 emails from people who have instant access to the principal with “could you”or “should you” questions.
In his free time, he likes to “recharge his batteries” by hunting and fishing. He enjoys spending some Saturdays bow hunting, waterfowl hunting, or fishing for Crappie. It's a way for him to totally relax and not think about all the stresses of the high school. He also enjoys going on walks with his family admiring the scenery and nature on the trails of Poosey Park, watching and playing basketball with his youngest daughter Isabelle, and hanging out with older children John and Emma. This year for Christmas he wants to be able to hang out with his immediate family on Christmas morning and watch everyone open up presents. Though hunting and fishing gear would be nice, he says the best gift he could receive is to be with family.
Mr. Nagel loves other teams besides the Hornets. His favorite sports team at the national level is the St. Louis Cardinals; he has been a fan since before the 1985 World Series. He has always been a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs; one of his favorite memories from when he was a kid was picking pecans, cracking them, and pulling out the nuts with his dad while listening to the Chiefs game. He also likes MU.
Finally, Mr. Nagel wants the kids of the high school to know that he tries really hard to do what is best for them. Though it may not look like that all the time, he tries to make sure that kids are ready when they go out into the society and that they can be successful when they leave CHS. He feels so much joy when he gets to announce students’ names as they walk across the stage for graduation.
