Climate change and global warming are hot topics right now–and while many people are concerned about where our environment is going, not many people have taken action to assist in a healthy change. According to Ceasepollution.com, in the USA alone, we emit 5,414 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into our environment every year. Because of this, Conservation.org says that currently 11% of earth’s population, or 800 million people, are at risk to exposure to extreme climate change effects, such as droughts, heat waves, and rise in sea level.

If we don’t combat climate change and global warming effectively, these effects will grow worse and affect more people. A lot of people think that going to a message board or writing a letter to the president will help with climate change, and although that could assist in making a change in our global environment, there are other ways to aid in conserving our environment. One simple thing you can do is create less trash. Here are multiple ways you can cut down on your waste production:

• Straws! Eliminating or lessening one use plastic straws has been very popular. Starbucks produced a drink lid that prevents the use of a straw, and many restaurants support the “ask for a straw to get a straw” idea. To make sure you aren’t using plastic straws, ask for any drinks at restaurants without plastic straws. You can also purchase a glass, metal, or silicone reusable straws. If this is too much of a change, opt for a recyclable paper straw. You can visit https://www.ourlaststraw.org/ for more information on one use plastic straws and their effect on the environment.

• Buy in bulk! Buying in bulk eliminates the wasteful plastic packaging our food comes in. If you use reusable glass jars or burlap bags, the amount of plastic you use when buying ingredients will be lessened. In some cases, buying in bulk can even be cheaper. However, don’t use the grocery store plastic bags to buy your bulk food–as this eliminates the reason for buying in bulk!

• Opt for fresh produce instead of plastic wrapped produce! Similar to buying in bulk, buying fresh produce that hasn’t been packaged in plastic will cut down your waste production. The reason you should cut down on plastic in particular is because plastic takes forever to break down! On top of that, only a small percentage of plastic is actually recyclable.

• Get a reusable water bottle! Although that plastic water bottle might have been a good last minute purchase, it puts even more plastic into our environment. In the long run, a reusable water bottle will not only prevent waste, but save you money over time.

• Carpool! Cars emit millions of magnitudes of carbon monoxide, which unlike carbon dioxide, is colorless, odorless and extremely poisonous. Cut down the carbon monoxide

• Reduce Plastic! Bring your own boxes and containers when in need of a container. Avoid the styrofoam to-go containers or the plastic shopping bags. Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk. When getting juice try to get fruits and freshly squeeze them yourself to avoid the plastic packaging most drinks have. Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner. Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups. Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you’ll be eating fewer processed foods! For more tips, go to http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/nationalgreenweeksub/waste-reduction-tips/tips-to-use-less-plastic.html you’ll be surprised about the gum one!

• Compost! Although “composting” seems like a big scary word, it can actually be pretty simple. The ultimate idea of composting is to recycle food waste in your home. You can even dump all of your compost at a public compost bin in the parking lot across from the Patagonia store. For more information, go to https://www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/composting-your-backyard for more information.

These are only a few things we can do to help preserve our environment. Some other small things you can do are: turn off lights when you’re not using them, avoid putting any trash in outdoor drains, reduce food waste by serving only what you need to eat, and avoid buying single-use products. Although many of the things we need to do to conserve the environment may seem challenging and extensive at first, we still need to learn to do them. Without taking these measures, you are encouraging pollution to continue to occur. Let’s treat the earth the way we want it for future generations!

“Who cares if there are lumps on my thighs? I’m guilty of having human legs made up of fat, muscle and skin, and sometimes when you sit, they get bumpy.” This quote was said by the lovely Kristen Bell.

There are so many people who dislike their bodies because of how companies show their products.

Most models weigh around 23% less than the average women.

Eating disorder problems have increase almost over 400% since 1970.

There is only 5% of women in the U.S. that fit the body type that’s so popular in advertising.

Dove, a Unilever brand, made a huge attempt to show women realistically. According to Thebalancecareers.com, even though they had good intentions, it was obvious that most ad campaigns still contained men and women as physically “perfect.”

Here are 9 possible steps you can take to have a more positive body image:

Step 1: Appreciating all that YOUR body can do. Each day your very own body carries you to achieve your dreams.

Step 2: Keep a top ten list of things you like about yourself. Positive things work the best.

Step 3: Continuously remind yourself that “true beauty” is not skin deep. Having self confidence when you are normally not having much can help.

Step 4: Surround yourself with positive people. It’s helpful having friends who always think positive and support you and your body.

Step 5: Doing something nice for yourself. Doing the smallest things make you feel so much better. Whether it be treating yourself to something you have never had, or even something as small as having a relaxing day by yourself.

Step 6: Shutting down the negative voice inside your head. You can push over through all of the negative thoughts with positive thoughts.

Step 7: Protesting advertisement images, slogans, and attitudes that have made you feel bad about yourself.

Step 8: Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others. Reaching out to people can make you feel better about yourself and can change the world positively.

Step 9: looking at yourself as a whole person. Let’s take a mirror for an example, when you look into the mirror you focus on one thing. This thing can be both positive and negative, but people usually look at the negative things.  

To read more about these step you can go to: nationaleatingdisorders.org

Spring break is just around the corner and you’re probably considering what to do. Here are a few ideas:

1. Science Museum of Minnesota: The Science Museum is focused on topics in technology, natural history, physical science, and mathematics education. It was founded in 1907. You can explore 8.5 acres of exhibits. https://www.smm.org/
2. Mall of America: This is a shopping mall where you can visit all your favorite stores. It is the largest mall in the country, and it has over 500 stores and more than 50 restaurants. There are a lot of fun activites like visiting the Nickoldeaon Universe and going on many different rides. https://www.mallofamerica.com/home
3. Minnesota Zoo: This zoo is in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The zoo has many different animals you can see like American Bison, American Black Bear, Amur Tiger and, Brown Bears. http://mnzoo.org/
4. Greak Wolf Lodge: The Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park in Bloomington. Great Wolf Lodge will offer families a great place to stay and play with over 75,000 square feet of indoor water park. https://www.greatwolf.com/
5. Sky Zone: This is an indoor Trampoline Par. You can plan parties, do dodgeball tournaments, fitness classes, and other events. https://www.skyzone.com/

Writer’s block impacts everybody. Whether you’re writing something for school, or for fun, chances are, it’s hit you. Here are some tips on how to get past it.

1. Don’t start writing with a blank slate; always start with an outline. This helps because you will always know what happens next with your plot or essay, so you won’t be stuck trying to move forward.
2. Walk away from writing. Not forever of course, but taking a step back and taking a break can help refresh your brain, and open yourself to more ideas and creativity.
3. Don’t beat yourself up. If you beat yourself up about not being able to move ahead, that won’t help. It only results in you being upset and not moving ahead. It’s normal to get writer’s block, so don’t feel bad.
4. Start to write something else. Writing something else like a short story or even just short sentences can help refresh your brain while also taking a break. It can also help the creative juices start flowing.
5. Last but not least, brainstorm. Write down ideas of what you could write next. Write everything you think down. Something will stick, and you will eventually be able to move forward.

These are just a few ways to get past writer’s block, and they’re all worth a try. So next time you’re stuck writing; try one or multiple of these tips. You will most likely be able to get past your writer’s block.

Snow days can get pretty bleak, so to keep you entertained, here are some thing you can do on a snow day:

• Cook a special meal: The perfect way to show your family appreciation and enjoy a delicious meal you can spend all the time in the world to perfect.
• Eat in the dining room and/or with fancy dishes: After you’re done, you still might have some extra time on your hands, so why not make the table look extra fancy to surprise your family, or simply enjoy the extravagance yourself.
• Watch a favorite movie(s)/show(s): I mean let’s face it, do you really want to get up during snow day? It’s your one day to relax and sleep in and eat all the junk food in the world. So just put your favorite show(s) or movie(s) on! The extra s’s are because you’re most likely not going to stop when you start… but hey! It’s our day to relax!
• Order in dinner: Maybe you don’t want to do all that and you’re on to the more relaxed vibe the snow day is sending you, then kick up your feet, get out you’re device, and order away while you binge watch your favorite show for the entire day #noregrets.
• Make hot chocolate: If you’re relaxing, the perfect drink to keep you warm and feeling that oh so good fuzzy feeling inside, is some hot chocolate. The recipe we recommend is quite simple, just click on this lick for the perfect hot chocolate.
• Build a pillow fort: Now, you’re relaxation has reached the max, movies, food, hot chocolate, what could you be missing! A fort! Make a cuddle place for you to eat, drink hot coco, and watch your favorite movie to reach ultimate comfort
• Play in the snow: Now the white stuff outside looks so soft and you think it would be perfect to roll around in, so head on out! Explore the wonders of your front and back yard. And though it very cold and we recommend ultimate caution at all time, you could probably see many bodies of water sculpted beautifully because of the weather, but stay safe!
• Make snow angels: If you’re going outside, a fun activity to try would be creating snow angles. You could make snow forts and make other creative creations. We know you’re in high school, but you’re never too old to play in the snow.
• Make snowballs to freeze: Once you’re done with your daily dose of Minnesota winter, you can head on back home but don’t forget to bring some snowballs. Store them in your freezer for a surprise attack that is sure to startle people in summer!
• Cut snowflakes from paper: Now you’re done with snow, but the snow’s not done with you! Create some paper snowflakes and though we’re sure people know how to do it, here a tutorial just in case: Paper Snowflake Tutorial. Have fun, be creative, and be careful if you’re using an exacto knife.
• Bake cookies: Now if hot chocolate didn’t do the trick, then fresh baked cookies definitely will! The oozing chocolate (or other topping, but let’s be honest, chocolate’s the best!) and warm dough with a melt in your mouth, slip down your throat, kind of flavor. I know my mouth watered when writing this!
• Check on/visit neighbors: Make sure your neighbors are O.K. and if they’re struggling or stuck, well that’s one way to make their day. Bring over your baked cookies, or other food that everyone enjoys, I’m sure they’ll be super grateful.
• Shovel together: Now this may seem hard, but when doing it with family or seeing your neighbors while doing it, it might make shoveling a bit easier. Sometimes, people are out of town, old, or hurt so they can’t shovel. Help them out and shovel their driveways; everyone will be grateful.
• Light the fireplace: Make a warm fire to sit by as you watch the cold snow from the inside. The bitter cold washes away as you stay inside your warm home* with no regrets.
• Play a family game: Gather your family around and play fun games, I’m sure everyone wants to relax after their long day of shoveling and cleaning with a fun game by the fireplace.

Another note to make is that some school districts, like SPPS, have debated using iPads on unexpected breaks like the snow days to have “online school” or using Schoology to do school for a day. This however hasn’t been enacted because the mandatory snow day work could be overly stressful since all teachers would possibly be assigning work at once (though some districts have decided to do this anyway).

*Many people who are homeless cannot find suitable places to stay during the extreme weather. if you are out and see someone, please make sure to lend a hand.

What is a hexaflexagon? Yes, it is a real thing. At first glance, a hexaflexagon appears to be a simple two-dimensional two-sided hexagon. However, if you know how to fold it the right way, it can be rearranged to reveal a third side hidden within.

How do I create a hexaflexagon? They are actually quite simple. First, you’ll need to start with a strip of paper. Fold it over itself to create a chain of ten equilateral triangles. You’ll know that the triangles are equilateral if they can continue to be folded on top of one another while still staying within the sides of the paper strip.

Then you have to fold it into a hexagon shape as shown below, making sure to have the three openings facing the same way. There also shouldn’t be an opening all the way through the middle of the hexagon.

Once it is folded correctly, either fold and glue the tenth triangle, or cut off the tenth triangle and instead use tape on the seam.

Once you have your hexaflexagon made, you can color it so that once the third side is revealed it is obvious that it is a new side. To reveal the third side, pinch three of the seams inward. Then open the seams along the top. If you can’t find the opening to the third side, try flipping the hexaflexagon over and doing the same process again. Below is a diagram of how to reveal the third side.

The hexaflexagon mentioned above is actually known more specifically as a trihexaflexagon because it has three sides. You can also create hexahexaflexagons, which contain a total of 15 different arrangements, or tetraflexagons which are square shaped and are used to construct many things including the Jacob’s Ladder toy and the magic wallet trick.

If you want to learn more about hexaflexagons, print a template, or watch an instructive video, visit vihart.com/hexaflexagons

By: Maggie Alarcon

The ACT test is a standardized test used for college admissions. The ACT is required to be taken your Junior year of high school. Your ACT score is a key component of your college applications.

The purpose of the ACT test is to measure your high school readiness for college. College admissions officers will review your test scores, alongside with your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers, extracurricular activities and personal essays.

The higher you score on the ACT, the more options for attending, and paying for, college will be available to you.

There are four sections on the ACT that you have to complete: English, Reading, Math, Science and an optional 40 minute writing test. The ACT takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, and if you do the writing test it’s about 4 hours.

I hope these tips below are helpful!

1. Get an ACT book
Having resources where you can study from is really helpful. Having the book to take places to study is helpful as well, and helps you work efficiently. Spending time reviewing and answering answers from the book helps you understand the format of the test. Also, it gives you a better understanding of what type of problems there will be on the test for each section.

2. Plan a reasonable study schedule
Set aside time for ACT practice and study.
Study for at least 3 hours a week or more. If it’s getting closer to your test day, then I recommend reviewing more. Get in the habit of studying too, so you can get used to the test and work on your test taking speed.

3. Do some timed practice to check in on your pacing
It is important that you have enough time to complete all the questions. I recommend you use a timer to time yourself in each section. Also, practice what was more challenging and took more time.

4. Take a couple of practice tests before the real one
It helps give you an idea of what the real test will look like. Taking a practice test gives you an idea of how well you would do, and the results will let you know what to work on more. Taking a practice test also helps you improve on your speed when taking the real test and the more practice the better.

5. Practice on the subjects that you struggle the most with and you know you’re not that good at
If you know you are not good at math or English, study more on those sections. Getting better before the test will help you improve on your worst subject and knowledge, but also your grade on the test. Look into more resources for those subjects as well.

6. Tutoring
Find options that work for you like tutoring. Getting help from someone else helps so much, having a one-on-one session is a good way to study, especially if you don’t understand something you can talk to them and ask them to clarify. It’s a more efficient way to get your studying done without getting stuck and not knowing what to do or study. You will be prepared for when the test starts and understand what you have to do.

By Maddie Baggenstoss, Claire Ramadan, and Daniela Fernandez 

The New Year, a time for resolutions that will swirl down the drain by late February. What was once sparked by confetti and noisemakers is most likely destined to later crumble under cheesecake and binge watching. Whether it’s to workout, to eat healthy, or be a kinder person, the fun ends by January 3rd when we begin to miss our old vices. Will the destructive cycle of forgotten New Year’s Resolutions ever end?

Although New Year’s Resolutions can seem like a productive and achievable idea, many don’t often realize the cons that come with it.

One thing that many people don’t realize is that they will most likely end up quitting something cold turkey; sugar, smoking, drinking, etc. It takes about 21 days to start a new habit, which by then, most people stop their New Year’s resolutions.

Although ceasing bad habits abruptly is a method of improving, lots of people struggle with it. This is because many have the possibility to experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can affect mood, productivity, and energy levels among other things.

When trying something new, or quitting something old, it is almost always best to ease into new habits slowly; or at least not that quickly. Choosing to make a huge change in your life can be very overwhelming, and huge changes don’t happen overnight.

Many people will attempt to stick to their New Year’s resolutions, but the truth is that they are often way too much way to fast. For example, you may decide you will workout everyday beginning on January first. That’s a big goal, and we’re sure you could do it. Or you could start by working out a few times a week, and build up to it everyday. You may be more likely to reach your goal if you start small and stick with it rather than diving right in, and then quitting after a week.

The real question is: Should I make a New Year’s resolution? Ultimately, whether or not you want to make a New Year’s resolution is completely up to you. If you are able to set goals and stick with them, no problem, then this may be just another excuse for you to make a positive change to your life.

Even if you’re not so sure you can give up that amazing slice of pie that easily, we still encourage you to try. You don’t have to eat a perfect diet of fruits and vegetables right away. No step towards your goal is too small.

Whatever your goal is, do your best to get to achieve it. Get there at your own pace. What do you have to lose?