Classroom Buzz
Racing Their Way to the HOLIDAY Break
Mr. Kell's Introduction to Industry students designed and manufactured their own racing cars to test out whose design was FLAWLESS.
2Photo and Video Credit: Mr. Kell and Daphne Kollbaum
Talan Robinson (3rd Place), Logan Roesener (1st Place),
Dominic Beaty (2nd Place) and Ericka Kujawa (4th Place)
1Horticulture and Ag Science Have Been Busy Elves in the Wreath Making and Floral Arranging Workshop
Ag Science students learn the greenery to carnation ratio is important!
Kyley loves the way things are turning out so far.
Bobbie perfects her bow making techniques.
Jada's greenery is coming along nicely.
Wreath, tree, or both? Kris has us in suspense.
Thank goodness for YouTube tutorials, right Malayna?
Photo Credit: Mrs. Bond-Ledford
"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...
4th Hour Intro to Industry - Metals
Mr. Kell's students have decorated the North Gym Lobby with trees that are made completely of welded metal. From the bottom branches to the star on top, and all of the ornaments in between. Be sure to visit the North Gym Lobby and gaze at these metallic beauties.
Image Credit: Google Images Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree
...Our Welded Trees are so Lovely!"
5th Hour Intro to Industry - Metals
Yes...that's an upside down tree! Below, Mr. Kell's students work to problem solve the balancing challenges.
The Story of Sadako Sasaki
Mrs. Robinson's World Literature class has been reading John Hersey's Hiroshima which recounts the stories of survivors of the 1945 bombing of the Japanese city to end the war in the Pacific during World War II.
As part of their study of Hiroshima, the students learned the story of then two-year old Sadako Sasaki. Sadako suffered illness because of the effects of the bombing and believed the Japanese folklore that "says that a crane can live for a thousand years, and a person who folds and origami crane for each year of a crane's life will have their wish granted."
Thank you, NCHS seniors, for honoring the memory of Sadako Sasaki.
Click here to read more about Sadako Sasaki.
Sadako never lost faith in her cranes. The National Park Service shares on their website that "surrounded by family, with 1,300 origami cranes in her room and hanging overhead, Sadako passed away at the age of twelve."
Image Credit: Google Images
Photo Credit: Mrs. Robinson
The focus is real for Tommy and Devin.
Hazel (above) and Gracen (below) are proud to show their progress.
Have you ever wondered what's beneath the outer layer? Wonder no more.
Bio II Ends the Semester Dissecting Starfish
It looks like Jaiden and Cameron are ready to play rock, paper, scissors with Autum, Jada, and Bobbie for who is first to dissect.
Brooke, Dallas, and Noah get to the point of identifying.
Enjoy this image carousel of more starfish dissections.
Photo Credit: Hazel Konkel, Bobbie Matlock, and Daphne Kollbaum
Quadratic.WillEmmaDaniel.movWill, Emma, and Daniel (above) and Marcus, Blayn, and Sylas nailed the Quadratic Equation.
Quadratic.MarcusBlaynSylas.movThese Formulas Equal Mathematical Success
Mrs. Spenner's students have been working on creative ways to memorize the Quadratic Equation and the Pythagorean Theorem. Check out these TikToks her students made. If you need to remember these formulas for your Semester Exam, watch them on repeat.
Pyth.Thm.OliviaPaigeTaylor.MOVOlivia, Paige, and Taylor are definitely good at the Pythagorean...with an assist from Mrs. Spenner.
Snowflakes, Snowflakes EVERYWHERE
Senora Williamson reports that "intense concentration and a YouTube tutorial were instrumental in making these beautiful snowflakes."
These snowflakes will be part of the fabulous door decorations that Spanish III students are working on for Room #15.
Stay tuned for the FINAL PROJECT...we hear some fleecy sheep might
be stopping by.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Williamson Image Credit: Google Images
Jo and Ian are very proud of their copos de nieve.
History Students Learn to Listen to the Ultimate Storytellers of our Lives
Students in U.S., Honors, and Modern History took a break from learning about people they didn't know to focus on those they did: their families, friends, mentors, and role models. The Great Thanksgiving Listen, sponsored by StoryCorps, gave students the opportunity to make time to listen and learn from the the people who inspire them during Thanksgiving break. The stories were then uploaded from the StoryCorps app and stored at the Library of Congress - the world's largest library - in the American Folklife Center for future generations to learn from or study.
Before interviewing family, friends, mentors, or role models, students practiced techniques involving questioning, as well as the ever challenging part - listening. Students agreed that the practice was helpful and made them less nervous about the interview part.
Students can now share links to their complete interviews with family and friends. Interviews may also be uploaded as private at the users discretion.
"When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen."
~Ernest Hemmingway
If an activity like this peaks your interest, you don't have to wait until next Thanksgiving. StoryCorps accepts stories year round. Watch the video above to find out more about the mission of StoryCorps, and visit this link to get started.
There was more to practice than just the interview. Students had to learn how to navigate the app, which included taking selfies and adding key information in order to upload the interview to the Library of Congress.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree
Who is SHAPING Whom?
Psychology I students recently studied conditioning. In the SHAPING activity, some students volunteered to participate by exiting the classroom while the rest of the class decided on a series of tasks that they had to complete. Upon re-entry into the classroom, the students had to figure out what they were supposed to do merely by the reinforcement of the class in the form of praise for their correct behavior until they performed the entire series of tasks. Teacher Mrs. Luessenheide says in regards to the directions, " think of playing “Hot and Cold."
...Lenny and Emily seem to be thoroughly enjoying Aaron's confusion...
Image Credit: Google Images
Photo Credit: Mrs. Luessenheide
What's really COOL about these photos of these volunteering seniors is two things:
1) the students were willing to become engaged in the lesson activity for their benefit and the benefit of their classmates
2) the expressions on the volunteers' classmates show that they are thoroughly INVOLVED in providing the positive praise to their peers
DEEP THOUGHT: School can be that much more beneficial if a student DECIDES to learn.
Mathketball...Game ON
Mr. Weathers, aka Coach Weathers, knows how to get his Algebra 1 students up and out of their seats in math class, and it is no surprise that it involves a BALL and a HOOP. The activity is a chapter review. Each group develops their own section review questions with the answers. The questions are compiled into one presentation and used as the basis for the review. Mr. Weathers shares, "The game itself is simple. If the team answers the question correctly, they send up a "shooter." In order to score points, not only do the students have to answer the question correctly, the shooter must also make a basket." The team with the most points at the end earns candy, bonus points, and/or bragging rights.
IMG_5709.MOVTyler Sundberg scores a bucket for his team.
IMG_5711.MOVIsaac Blazier makes the game winning, tie-breaker shot to earn his team a MATHKETBALL VICTORY!!
Video Credit: Mr. Weathers
Nikole, Brooklyne, Mason, and Katie weigh in on what these 15 movies might have in common.
Emily, Caitlynn, Michael, and Anne respond to Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way."
Can You do "The Hustle"?
The best stop on this cultural journey of 1970s America was learning how to do the first line dance of all time, "The Hustle." But wait, that's not all. Then students had to make a TikTok of them actually doing the dance. Enjoy Wyatt Kwiatkowski's talented version of this popular 1970s dance.
It's the 1970s, baby. Can you dig it?
What do the 15 highest grossing movies of the 1970s have in common? Why does the style of rock - n- roll become so varied? Why is the humor so dry on '70s TV sitcoms? Mrs. Goostree's Modern History class took a break from thinking about economic, social, and political issues of the 1970s to dive into cultural milestones. Little did they know, these cultural milestones reflect all of the issues they are learning about. Jedi mind trick? Maybe.
Thomas, Brandon, and Dawson enjoy a clip of highway patrol action from the series CHiPs.
Lucas shares with Colton and Stephen which '70s movies he has seen.
Video Credit: Wyatt Kwiatkowski
Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree
Art is EVERYWHERE
Vita Bartolotta crafted a metal ROSE and Dakota Bannert designed his rebar welding art in Mr. Kell's Introduction to Metals class.
The World Just Got SWEETER
Quentin Pedtke and Erica Kujawa created CANDY dispensers in Mr. Kell's Introduction to Industry class.
Squid dissection or alien autopsy? Reese and Kris seem to have it all under control.
Aubry supervises Gracie's scalpel techniques. Two thumbs up!
Squid Fun Facts
There are 375 species of squid.
Squid are the fastest invertebrates. They use their own jet propulsion to move through water.
Some can change colors
Some can use bioluminescence (they glow in the dark!)
They do not, in fact, play Squid Games.
Photo Credit: Hazel Konkel and Faith Frerker
Image Credit: Google Images
We Have an "Ink"ling Dissecting Squids are Cool
Tommy needs a bird's eye view of Wyatt's handy work (above), while (below) Brooke doesn't look quite as ready as Abby and Aubrey.
What's not to love about a Mollusk? Plenty, according to Adam's face. Hazel is unbothered.
Are you even serious about dissection if you aren't wearing safety goggles? Devin and Colleen are all about that safety.
Separated at birth: the Independence Day alien and Anne Marie and Faith's squid (see left)?
Jordan and Noah appear to be discussing strategy before making that first cut.
Photosynthesis Can Take Us From Plants to Solar Panels
Mrs. Bergmann's Biology students just completed a photosynthesis lab that studies how plants use mimicry. Scientists have been able to develop solar panels to trap solar energy by mimicking leaves that are performing photosynthesis.
Chloe and Grady work to diagram the process.
Want to learn more about how plants and solar panels compare? This video breaks down the science for both, and shares ideas about which might be more efficient forms of energy.
The SOLAR panels above are installed at a home in Nashville.
Notice how the SOLAR panels are free of snow as it melts right off the panels?
...if not YOU, then WHO?
if not NOW, then WHEN?
Photo Credit: Mrs. Bergmann and Mrs. Kollbaum
I hope this experiment doesn't "blind you with science." ~Dad joke 101
Magnification is necessary to view this scientific process in motion. There are complex chemical reactions involving oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water that help activate chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the natural compound found in plants that produce the green colors.
As visual learners, creating diagrams are helpful ways to remember. Take a look at this photo carousel of students tracking the process of photosynthesis as they conducted their experiments.
Homeowners with SOLAR panels can track the amount of energy produced daily on an app on their phones.
...some of the different design models...
Tyler, 2021 FIRST PLACE WINNER Sawyer, Colten, and Lexi show off their designs.
The Race Leader Board was an important tool to track the fastest car designs and declare the winner and had to be updated meticulously*.
Champion Sawyer Price was awarded some hardware (made courtesy of the school's 3D printer).
"The Race Is On" in Introduction to Industry
Students in Mr. Welte's 4th Hour Introduction to Industry class have designed and built their own race cars and put them to the test in head to head races.
...powered by bursts of CO2, the cars are placed in their starting gate...the car on the right will go on to be crowned the champion of the double elimination tournament...
...and race to the finish line...
Brenden Frieman's and Mr. Welte's cars faced off in the loser bracket championship race, and Mr. Welte's car emerged victorious. He then had to face Sawyer Price's design in the double-elimination championship race. Sawyer's car had been consistently recording the fastest times overall so he was sure to win and WIN HE DID to be crowned the 2021 Champion. Mr. Welte received second place, and Brenden was awarded third.
...not all the races were as good as the others unfortunately...accidents due to the high rates of speed, a possible speck of dust on the floor, or even a faulty car design did occur...
Take a look at the designs in the carousel above. Can you spot the Thomas the Tank Engine?
* (adverb) very carefully and precisely
Photo and Video Credit: Abbie Willmont, Reese Varel, Kris May, Mr. Welte, and Facebook
Things Are Heating Up in DC Fundamentals
Students in Mr. Welte's 7th Hour DC Fundamentals class have been working on a SOLDERING* unit where they are building electronic circuits.
Check out the video the left to see how FESTIVE the students are getting with their electronic creations.
* (verb) joining metal objects without heating the objects to the melting point
Photo and Video Credit: Mr. Welte
Everyone has to agree to how much tension to put on the string, and how to move the cup at the same time.
Sometimes you have to invade other people's personal space to stack just so. That can be challenging, too.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Maschhoff
You have to work on your communication skills as well as trust skills that others in the group will also work toward a common goal.
Once a month, Mrs. Maschhoff's Adult Daily Living students do a team building activity to teach skills such as working together, patience, and communication skills. This week the students were split into two groups of their choice, and given a set of cups and a rubber band with five strings attached. The students were told they had to stack the cups by only holding the blue string. If you touched a cup or the rubber band, you lost that team member. In the end, the students discussed their frustrations and celebrated success.
Communication works for those who work at it.
~John Powell
Building Communication Skills One Cup at a Time
Success for Jaden, Brandon, Malakye, Erick, and Shiphira! Good communication, a willingess to work together were the key to success.
...Almost! Cole, Angel, Richard, Abby, and Burk were super close!
Malala Yousafzai Walk About Activity
Pakistani Malala Yousafzai was just 15 years old when she stood up to the Taliban demanding that she and other girls deserved to have an education. Most people have heard the story of Malala, and any intelligent person has a hard time not being inspired by the courage and perseverance of this young girl who fought for her right to be educated. Mrs. Kollbaum's English I students have recently studied about Malala and spent the day exploring ideas related to Malala's courageous life. Additionally, they were asked to consider if they value their education and if so, how do they show it on a daily basis.
Malala is not the only young person to stand up for her right to an education. Thirteen year old Shannen Koostachin became an activist in Canada fighting to gain equal opportunities for education on a reservation. Bennet, Calvin, Claire, and Chloe learn about Shannen's Dream.
Andrew, Alex, Aidan, Alex, and Aiden were challenged to discuss the top three global issues today and ways that they could help in their personal lives to prevent these issues.
Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize at the young age of 17 years old.
Sawyer and Jaden investigate the background and history to the Nobel Peace Prize.
Malala believes that it is possible for EVERY PERSON to CHANGE the WORLD.
The QUESTION is what are YOU doing EVERY DAY to make your WORLD better for others?
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
La Comida Era Deliciosa
To supplement their Colombian novel study, Spanish II and Spanish III (who didn't get to cook last year...thanks, Covid) students traveled to Cathy's Kitchen to cook up some yummy dishes and drinks. Coordinating such a lesson is not easy...recipes must be researched, ingredients purchased, the kitchen reserved, hands washed, directions followed, bellies ready to be filled, hands washed (did we mention that one already?!), ovens and pans prepped among a list of many other things. But these obstacles were all overcome by Senora Williamson and her students so that they (and some lucky other teachers and staff) could enjoy their recetas deliciosas.
Photo Credit: Emma Grathwohl and Mrs. Williamson
Juniors Kortney and Kyley are precisely buttering up their dish.
Juniors Paige and Jillian made polvorones, also known as Mexican wedding cookies. Click here for the Food Network recipe.
Ryan looks like he's dishing up some fried ice cream?
Quintin, Tommy, Emma, and Colleen are proud of their sweet dessert.
Senior Lenny Bannert and junior Jackson Brink clearly know their way around the kitchen.
Junior Allyson Osborne rolled out the dough for her group's apple empanadas.
Snow, Snow, Snow?!?!?
It's a little too early for snow, but that didn't stop Mrs. Spenner's freshman English I class from having a snowball fight. The students are working through their Courage unit, and each student wrote examples of people showing courage on a piece of paper. The crumpled up examples, aka snowballs, were thrown about the room. Students then read and discussed the snowball they ended up with.
20211116_133702.mp4
Tommy, Ryan, Kirstin, and Lauren think the molarity is great in their cups (above), while it seems to be a "mixture" of yes and no from Leah, Kinzie, and Adele (below)
Harrison, Paityn, and Connor seem pleased with their experiment. Is anyone else wondering what flavor they're tasting?
There's Science in Kool-Aid?
Not even our beloved childhood drink is safe from the powers of science! Chemistry students have been learning about the wonders of molarity, which is the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. In other words, you can use mole formulas to examine dilution or concentrate of solution. By adding water or Kool-Aid powder, the powers of science can commence.
Hailee, Sydney, and Adri are smiling...but how's the Kool-Aid, really? Do you need more or less powder?
Is the concept of Molarity still unclear? This video helps explain the scientific principal AND puts it into the context of Kool-Aid.
While we're here, we might as well ponder the scientific principals of the Kool-Aid Man.
Photo Credit: Lauren Rapp Image Credit: Google Images
Abby Cartagena Colombia.mp4...a little glimpse of Cartagena by junior Abby Ferrell...
Lauren Cartagena Colombia.movPresentation and Video Credit: Mrs. Williamson and Lauren Rapp Image Credit: Google Images
A Glimpse of Cartagena, Colombia in Spanish II
Senora Williamson's Spanish 2 students have been working on a culminating project as they have been reading the novel ¡Papacito!. The setting of the story is Cartagena, Colombia, and the students have explored the local culture of that South American country. Senora shares that
"often, students only hear negative things about Colombia because of the crime rate and problems with drug trafficking, so I wanted to provide an opportunity for my students to discover the beautiful people, delicious food, and lively culture of the country."
Extending Their Learning: English I Students Move Beyond The Miracle Worker
Students in Mrs. Kollbaum's English I classes have recently finished up their reading of The Miracle Worker, a biodrama focused on the lives of both Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. But that learning isn't enough for them as they extended their knowledge by practicing ASL, BSL, and braille and checking into technological innovations that support people who are hearing and / or sight impaired.
...Angelus and Sawyer practice the ASL sign alphabet, which is one of the ways that Helen communicated...
...Josie, Griffin, and Isaac practice the ASL signs for family...
...Jaymie and Jaden discuss the DotWatch that allows sight-impaired people to "see" just as a SmartWatch would do...
...Mrs. Kollbaum, Dakota, and Logan practice the ASL signs for the word "in"...
...Ellie, Emma, and Hudson learn the BSL (British Sign Language) sign alphabet, which is totally different from the American Sign Language alphabet...
Tyler, Dominic, and Therese practice making braille letters in an effort to grasp how people who are sight impaired read.
...the only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision...
~ Helen Keller
Photo Credit: Daphne Kollbaum, Lilly Taft, Mrs. Kollbaum
...Taylor and John look like they know their way around a kitchen...
...Kylie and Alissa made delectable waffles with Nutella, strawberries, and whipped cream...
...photo credit to Daphne and Lilly who taste tested everything that was made by the students...
...confident about their pepperoni masterpiece...
...food is a lens for culture...
~ Dana Goodyear
Here's What's Cookin' Across the Pond
Mrs. Patton's third hour World Geography class stepped across the hallway today to Cathy's Kitchen to whip up some European food as they have recently been studying Europe. Mrs. Patton shared that "the groups had to pick a dish to cook from anywhere in Europe. They were to describe the importance of the dish and tell us the ingredients and preparation for their creation. The students are learning in World Geography how important food is to the people in their culture and identity." Click the button below to access two of the student groups' recipes. If you're looking for a new Netflix series to watch, click the Street Food button below to see the trailer for a show featuring how culture, identity, and food are truly intertwined.
...Josh gets good advice from Kendall and Blayn on how to properly slice their pie...
...Allana and her crew are pretty proud of their French toast...oooooh, la, la....
Photo Credit: Mr. Kell
Have you ever traveled across the Eads Bridge in St. Louis? Watch the video to learn a bit about its structural history.
Bridge Testing IS A Serious Matter
Remember those bridges being carefully constructed by Mr. Kell's students in Introduction to Industry class?
Sophomore Braxton Brooks steadily tests out his structure with freshman Hudson Jones looking on in amazement. Mr. Kell reports that Braxton's structure could hold up to an impressive 21 lbs.
WORMing Their Way To An A in Biology II
Mr. O'Rear's Biology II students HAPPILY (it looks) dissected earthworms in class. Well, at least most of them look happy...ahem, Devin?!?!
...Brooke's and Aubry's rating: two thumbs UP...
...Kris and Reese have got NO PROBLEM dismantling their subject...
Photo Credit: Hazel Konkel, Bobbie Matlock, and Jaiden Olinger
Image Credit: Google Images
Tommy, you might want to pay a little more attention to Devin and that weapon he's wielding?!?!
SMILE AND SAY Crazee
Third hour (above) seems to be more cooperative than fifth hour (below) for a group photo.
The students were given a tour of the facility and the day-to-day operations at Print Crazee, which include custom-designed koozies, invitations, signs and banners; wrapping and detail services; and custom apparel.
We hear there were some nice giveaways, which must be true because Mr. Witte seems to be tightly gripping what seems to be his "bag of swag."
Photo Credit: Mr. Witte and Daphne Kollbaum
Let's Get CRAZEE
Consumer Education is a required class at NCHS that teaches the "economic fundamentals of life" if you will. Students in that class work to recognize the world outside the walls of NCHS...the walls of the real world. One way to do that is to take a field trip, which is exactly what Mr. Witte's third and 5th hour classes did today November 3 when they hopped on a bus and headed north to Print Crazee, a locally owned design and print shop.
NCHS Alum and Print Crazee Owner Ashley Kirchner led the tour.
I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends
Colleen, Hope, Paige, and AnnMarie doubt a choice but talk their way through it.
Learning and reinforcing concepts can be boring by yourself, so why not work together and play a match game? Honors History students are learning to apply context information about events leading to the Civil War. In this competitive matching game, they were able to review information from a reading and be prepared for an even more competitive digital review using Blooket.
Educators: Blooket is a great review activity that allows you to upload your Quizlets or create a new set of info.
Kaden, Sophie, Sophia, Cameron, and Valerie lead the way in first hour.
Image Credit: Mrs. Goostree
Candy Corn Cookies...A Sweet Treat
Students in Mrs. Griffin's Adult Daily Living Class, along with Mrs. Hake and Mrs. Vogt, baked a delicious sweet treat today...candy corn cookies.
Mrs. Vogt laughingly shared that the first batch (on the right) was an EPIC fail, BUT the the second batch (on the left) was MUCH IMPROVED after a few minor modifications to the recipe.
Students Caymen Rudd, Austin Bauza, and Ryan Holtmann enjoyed that yummy second batch as evidenced by the fewer cookies on the paper. What a great way to celebrate Halloween.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Vogt Image Credit: Google Images
Putting It All Together
Serious-minded agriculture students such as seniors Hunter Rheinecker (left) and Chandler Witte and Patrick Gill (above) know the value of hard work. And hard work is exactly what these students have been putting into their SAEs, or Supervised Agricultural Experiences. They spent some time this last week of October to work on their presentations of their experiences.
Endless Possibilities from One Ball of Clay
Art 2 students have been using pottery techniques as old as time to create anything they could imagine. The long process is only possible if the molding phase is completed correctly. What does that entail? According to wikiHow:
Place a lump of clay on a porous surface, such as concrete or canvas.
Using your palms, press and roll the lump toward you.
Pick up the clay, set it back down, and again press and roll it toward you.
Repeat this process until the lump of clay is uniform in consistency.
The video below gives you great ideas to make simple clay projects from molding to finish if you're looking for Christmas ideas already. For more advanced techniques, take Art 2 with Mrs. Schultz!
Photo Credit: Mrs. Schultz Video Credit: Buzzfeed Nifty
Students, like sophomore Austin Goldsmith (above), in Mr. Alli's P.E. class are practicing their badminton skills. Not familiar with badminton?!? Well, you should be as it has been around for over 2,000 years and was played across Greece, India, China, Japan, and Egypt.
"Hit it to Me...I'm Ready!"
...senior Curtis Bochantin seems to be taking a break...
...click the link below to learn everything you have always wanted to know about this exciting and fun sport...
Image Credit: Google Images
Photo Credit: Daphne Kollbaum
"Clash of DA Chemists" Lab
Students in Mr. Miller's Chemistry II classroom are following his lead in the "Clash of the Chemists" lab, also known as a titration lab. The purpose of the lab was to determine the molarity of an unknown sample in Hydrochloric Acid by titrating the unknown sample explains senior Emily Schnitker.
Thanks, Emily, that makes total sense now. LOL -- NOT.
I guess we'll all just have to enroll in Chemistry II to find out exactly what's going on here.
Mr. Miller demonstrates the lab.
...seniors Jordan Donato, Isaac Turner, and Emily Schnitker carefully perform their experiment...
...junior Malayna Bock is serious about her lab work...
Photo Credit: Daphne Kollbaum
...lab partners Sophie White and Sophia Doerr focus on their experiment...
...juniors Jill Kuhl and Valerie Combs precisely measure their liquids...
...while "chemists" in the making are working on their experiments, senior Lucas Knepp is testing out the sound of the beaker??...
Each student is tasked with designing a template for the bridge, building the bridge using only glue, and then testing the bridge's structural composition. Freshman Daven Hug is two "thumbs up" positive that his bridge structure will successfully hold the weight.
Does This Look Structurally Sound?
Students in Mr. Kell's Introduction to Industry class are building bridges out of small pieces of wood to see if their structures can withstand the weight of five pounds.
...freshmen Calvin Endres (above) and Aidan Morgan (below) prepare their bridge templates...
Image Credit: Google Images
Photo Credit: Daphne Kollbaum
Service to AMERICA
Petty Officer Cody Smith of the US Navy visited Mrs. Spenner's Workplace Communication class on Friday, October 21, 2021. He discussed with the class the opportunities and benefits involved with joining the Navy.
Pictured in photo: Trentyn Kellett, James Teutrine, Anne Mead, Officer Smith, Jayden Clayton, Abby Boudah
Photo Credit: Mrs. Spenner
Who's A Little Hungry?
sophomore Jayden Williams
Biology I students in Mrs. Bergmann's class were tasked with making a plant cell in edible form and the results were a success.
junior Roman Reams
freshman Trinity Engelman
Photo Credit: Mrs. Bergmann
...knowledge is actively constructed by the student...
...not passively absorbed from textbooks and lectures...
Of Quartz, We Can Make Crystals!
Mr. Miller's Chemistry I students are busy determining how different types of chemical reactions affect the mass of objects. The end result of this particular lab was the creation of crystals (if done correctly).
Juniors Lauren Rapp and Paityn Matecki (above) are in the beginning stages of mixing their chemicals, while sophomore Harrison Zgonina (left) has achieved crystals.
Photo Credit: Lauren Rapp
Senior Katie Mason records the results for senior Alyssa Cole as she tests her sense of taste and smell.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Luessenheide
Senior Nolan Heggemeier is in deep contemplation as Trevor Siliven works with him on the experiment.
"All life is an experiment."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I Think It's...Orange? Lemon? Cherry?
In Mrs. Luessenheide's Pyschology I class, students conducted an experiment to test the strong connection between their senses of taste and smell. They had to taste Skittles blindfolded and guess the color. In the first round they were able to use their sense of taste and smell and the second round they had to hold their nose so they couldn't use their sense of smell (only taste). The hands-on experiment allowed students to address problems that can occur during research.
...Let Me Demonstrate...
Mrs. Robinson's Speech students' most recent assignment was the demonstration speech where they could choose any appropriate topic and demonstrate the steps necessary to successfully complete that task. Mrs. Robinson modeled for the class how to properly make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...and the students took it from there.
Hayden breaking his pole.mp4Senior Hayden Robinson demonstrates proper fishing casting. He also demonstrated that sometimes, casting isn't as easy as it looks, especially when your line snags and your pole breaks.
...I HEAR and I FORGET...
...I SEE and I REMEMBER...
...I DO and I UNDERSTAND....
~ Confucius, Chinese philosopher
Photo Credits: Daphne Kollbaum and Becca Shopinski
"Friends, Hornets, Countrymen Lend Me Your Ears..."
...if you know Mrs. Olson, you know it's all about the props...hence the crowns of leaves and laurel and the plethora* of shields...
Photo Credit: Mrs. Olson
Mrs. Olson's sophomores recently finished their reading of William Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar and ended their study with a riotous game of Caesar Must Die. Mrs. Olson explains, however, that "ironically Caesar doesn’t die in the game but chooses, along with conspirators every other round, who in the classroom will. If all conspirators are eliminated, the loyalists and Caesar win! If the conspirators eliminate enough loyalists, they win!"
Image Credit: Google Images
* (noun) overabundance; excess
...juniors Angel Meyer and Richard Davison and sophomore Preston Maddox have on their game faces...
Photo Credit: Mrs. Jen Maschhoff
Image Credit: Google Images
...In the Game of LIFE...
The students in Mrs. Jen Maschhoff's Consumer Education class have been learning about banking and checking accounts. Making the connection from just studying about balancing their checkbook, the students took a chance with their money and futures by playing the Game of Life. Mrs. Maschhoff shared that frustrations were high and students were super competitive. Their were even several students blushing when they had to get married and some dancing on payday. "We are thankful no boards went flying while playing this game!" exclaimed Mrs. Maschhoff.
...sophomore Cole Peterson is spinning away...
...junior Shiphirah Hernandez has selected the lawyer card...
Teamwork and Listening equals LEADERSHIP
Mrs. Spenner's seniors in Workplace Communications are learning the value of both teamwork and listening to elevate their leadership skills so that they can be successful in their chosen career paths.
In this Back to Back Response activity, the students tested both their listening and communication skills. One group member described an image while the other group member had to draw it with only the verbal directions. "Some of the images were very close!" Mrs. Spenner shared. The students discovered that asking questions was a great way to clarify the instructions.
Dawson Kurwicki, Brandon Wisely, Chris Kurwicki, and Patrick Gill successfully completed the Marshmallow Challenge. In this challenge, each group got 1 yard of string, 1 yard of tape, 20 sticks of spaghetti, and one marshmallow to create the tallest tower. The marshmallow had to be on top. Mrs. Spenner shared that "the students really had to practice their leadership and communication skills."
............listen............
............learn............
............lead............
Photo Credit: Mrs. Spenner
Teach Someone Something
As the English I freshmen begin their study of Helen Keller and The Miracle Worker, they have to truly understand and reflect on what it means to be a teacher and a receptive learner. To introduce this concept, Mrs. Kollbaum's English I students had to either teach or learn one of the following: how to shuffle a deck of cards, how to do a cartwheel, how to spin a basketball, or how to dribble a basketball between one's legs.
...Hayden Klingeman holds the attention of a large group of his peers as he demonstrates the proper finger placement for card shuffling...
...Mr. Begando decided he had something else to teach the third hour students: CARD MAGIC TRICKS. Jaden Chen was convinced that Mr. B. was a wizard...
...Life is either a daring adventure...
...or nothing...
~ Helen Keller
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
...Aidan Morgan was an exceptionally patient teacher with Grady Kirchner who was adamant that he couldn't learn how to shuffle the cards...
...Alex Word and Ellie Bartling are determined to spin that basketball "Harlem Globetrotter" style...
...Dilan Murray is still working on his basketball through the legs technique...
...teacher Cheyenne Harris demonstrates the proper cartwheel form...
...student Brayden Ricks is working hard to perfect Cheyenne's proper cartwheel form...
...freshman Griffin Briles was determined to get this leaf...hopefully, he has a net under him for this stunt...
...freshman Heather Arnold's organization of her leaves...
Leaf Collections...an NCHS Tradition...
The Leaf Collection assignment in Biology I class has been a recurring assignment for decades here at NCHS long before Mrs. Bergmann took over as a teacher. However, Mrs. Bergmann sees the value in this traditional assignment that asks students to collect, identify, and organize leaves specifically native to the state of Illinois. The students have been working on this project since September so there has been plenty of time to head to the Washington County State Lake, other nature preserves, or even one's backyard to locate the leaves.
...leaf collecting can be a fun family affair as seen with freshmen Ethan Pinski and Will Diedrich...
...I saw a leaf that was in the shape of a chicken...
"apparently, it was from a poultree..."
Photo Credit: NCHS Parents and Facebook
Image Credit: Google Images
...freshman Emma Williamson is just as determined as Griffin to reach that perfect leaf...
...freshman Samuel Kollbaum identifying a loblolly pine...
"EXTRA CREDIT?!?!"
...freshman Evan Eberhart...
...some students took advantage of the extra credit "early bird" deadline and turned in their COMPLETED Leaf Collections early...
...freshman Addison Stambaugh...
...go the extra mile...
...it's never crowded...
...freshman Lainey Fletcher...
"COUNT ME IN!!"
Photo Credit: Mrs. Bergmann
Mushroom PLANTING in Biology II??
Isn't it supposed to mushrooms that are HUNTED? Well, not in Mr. O'Rear's Biology II class because instead of hunting mushrooms, they are PLANTING mushrooms. Turns out it's actually called "mushroom innoculation." This must be some sort of experiment, right? Be certain, Mr. O'Rear and Biology II students, to keep us informed how your little fungi grow...
Pictured: Bobbie Matlock, Jada Winka, Mr. O'Rear, Riley Redman, Ella Reed, Eddie Garibay, and Blaine Emrick
Photo Credit: Bobbie Matlock
Playing With Fire in Chemistry I?
Okay...so the Chemistry I students were not actually playing with fire because that's Lab Rule #72*, right?
What is junior Reese doing then? She is conducting a flame test lab under the direction of Mr. Miller. Reese is a scientist in the making...notice the correct use of the protective eyewear?
Photo Credit: Emma Grathwohl * LAB RULE #72: Do not play with fire.
Junior Becca has absolute confidence in Mrs. White's ability to "mend" her ailing Google Machine
The Media Center: A Student's "One Stop Shop" for Books and Technology Needs
Mrs. White loves books and reading, which is evidenced by her classic and contemporary titles that line the shelves in the Media Center. BUT the Media Center isn't just for reading: Mrs. White has been trained by our technology coordinator and guru Mr. Paul Welte on some chromebook repairs.
Don't forget, NCHS students, to utilize the technology repair center in the Media Center if your Chromebook is not functioning at its highest capability. Either Mrs. White or Mr. Welte and his team will gladly take a look at it to get it working at peak performance.
Shooting for the Stars in Mr. Welte's Introduction to Industry Class
Students in Mr. Welte's fourth hour Introduction to Industry class have been doing just that...shooting for the stars...with ROCKETS that they constructed. The rockets were constructed and launched by each student and were to stay together during their flight and return to the ground with a built-in parachute. Some rockets succeeded; some rockets failed. All the while that the rockets were shot into the sky, Mr. Welte and his students were employing advanced technology as they flew a drone overhead to capture each launch.
IMG_7007.MOV"Rockets are cool. There's no getting around that."
~ Elon Musk
...click the arrow to view the images...
Freshman Sawyer Price and Mr. Welte launch Sawyer's test rocket. Sawyer's rocket was constructed differently than his peers, and Mr. Welte and the students weren't certain of how it would launch and what heights it would reach.
Sawyer's rocket was successful in deploying its parachute as can be heard in the awed reactions of the students gathered for the launch.
Among his many messages, Jack Gladstone encouraged students to develop a willingness to see people through an clear lens, which allows for empathy and understanding among people.
Blackfoot Singer and Songwriter Jack Gladstone Virtually Visits NCHS
Covid has taken away and changed life so much in the educational arena, but it's important to try to find the positives where possible, and a positive that has grown from the hardships of Covid is the use of virtual meetings and performances. Jack Gladstone and his music has been a staple in Mrs. Kollbaum's classroom since she began teaching 24 years ago, but coordinating a visit from the Montanian Jack Gladstone was only fantasy due to logistics and finances. However, with the use of current technology, Mrs. Kollbaum and her fourth and sixth hour English III Honors juniors were entertained and educated by Blackfoot singer and songwriter Jack Gladstone on Tuesday, September 21, right here in the classroom at NCHS. Gladstone, who lives in Glacier Park, Montana, spoke with the students about American Indian mythology, oral tradition, and Blackfoot culture. This virtual presentation supported the students classroom study of American Indian mythology and Black Elk Speaks, a nonfiction text sharing the story of Oglala Lakota Sioux Nicholas Black Elk. This presentation was made possible in part with the financial support of the retired Optimist Club of Nashville.
"If we are humble, we are teachable."
~ Jack Gladstone
To learn more about Jack Gladstone, visit his website Jack Gladstone Montana's Troubadour.
Shakespeare in the House
It's no secret that English teacher Mrs. Jenny Olson is an avid William Shakespeare fan and works every year to bring the Stone Soup Shakespeare Company out of Carbondale, IL to NCHS to inspire students to love William Shakespeare's language and dramatic works. On September 1, Stone Soup Shakespeare Company actress Julia visited NCHS and worked with sophomores and seniors to foster their love of the Shakepearean tragedies of Julius Caesar and Hamlet.
Click the image carousel to see NCHS students immersing themselves in Shakespearean language and dramatic roles.
Historical Events as told through Tik Tok
Some may say History is boring stories from the past. But have you tried telling those stories with Tik Tok? Seniors in Modern History have been experimenting with everyone's favorite video app to tell stories of historic events during the Cold War. So far they have covered the Iranian Coup and Civil Defense films. Click the videos below to learn more about these events.
Caitlynn.MOV4aef353ab6571aa16ec47632971f2c5d.movEthan Gambill, Lucas Donaho, Adam Anderson, and Thomas Nattier re-create the events surrounding the Iranian Coup.
7fefa2d2673b1670ba5ec541df48703c.mp4Emily Guest, Brooklyne Luessenheide, Dawson Kurwicki, Mason Rittenhouse, and Caitlynn Pytlinski incorporate greenscreen into their storytelling of the Iranian Coup.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a...drone!
If you hear a strange buzzing noise during 6th hour, never fear. It's Mr. Welte's Computer Maintenance and Programming students learning how to fly a drone over NCHS and the surrounding neighborhood. They are able to experiment navigating the drone and test the challenges of wind, speed, and distance. It's also a great excuse to go outside for fresh air. And who knows? With the changes in technology and use of drones in multiple professional fields, these skills may one day come in hand when deciding a future career.
Pictured at left are Warren Reid, Luke Welte, Avery Strief, Petey Geppert, and Raydn Schwartzkopf.