By: Cylver W
Hello, I am Greg, and today I am going to give you information about fish population. The fish population is going down day by day. “From what?” you may ask. Well the major problem is oil spills from ships and other forms of pollution. Oil pollutes the water, and the fish breathe through its gills right? Well, when they breathe, they take the oil into the digestive system. After a period of time the oil “eats” out the stomach or deteriorates it. As the process continues the fish will slowly die from the organs being taken away. So when the oil has “done” its job, the fish has died and floats on the water. The oil makes the water look like a rainbow. Well, it does that because the oil is less dense, and it sits on the water. Oil is a thick substance, and it sticks to many things that you may not imagine. I have done many searches and rescues for animals in the sea after an oil spill. I have had to washed seagulls, dolphins and many more animals. The search and rescue team I am on is called the Life of All Animals Matter. We have a dolphin in ah aquarium, and her name is Tiffanie (we call her Tiff Tiff for short). She was found almost dead on the shore line after an oil spill. We got her all cleaned up, and put her in this big 3,000 gallon water tank with ah open top. Her favorite food is cod, and we feed that to her five times a day. We chop the cod up and give it to her five gallons each feeding period. Moving on we have a sea turtle called Jr. he was found about 50 feet off a shore line too. He was tangled up in a fishing net that had been cut. We put him in our van cutting all the lines. He now lives here in a 2,500 gallon tank with small fish and algae. His regular eating time is about 2:00 and you can see him chase his food around. He is a slow turtle, but when he does get hungry, he moves pretty quick. Jr. loves to sit in his bed at the bottom of the tank which is sand. Our goal is to find a female sea turtle for breeding and help the population of sea turtles go up. We are trying to save animals and keep the population of certain ones up. Making nature safer for animals and hopefully for ourselves too. My crew and I, hope that when you grow up, you will help. To make the environment safe would be a big help in America. As a personal opinion, I don't like the way animals are treated. Making more shelter homes for animals would be great because we can help with oil on the animals. A big oil spill was in Kuwait, during the Gulf War in 1991, and spilled 240-336 million gallons of oil into the ocean. “Any questions?” I ask. “Yes, little one.” I say. “How many searches have you gone on?” a boy asks. I replied with, “I have gone on 32 searches and helped 147 animals.” A girl asks, “How do you like your job?” Replying with, “My job is the best to me because I love nature and helping animals.” “Ok kids, time to go, say bye and thank you to Mr. Greg” said the teacher. The class replied, “Thank you, Mr. Greg, and goodbye.” “Bye class, have a wonderful day,” I replied By: Lexi M
Born and raised into slavery, a young girl who doesn’t understand what a normal life should be, ends up being one of the best leaders in the civil rights movement. Ida B. Wells, was born in Holly Springs Mississippi, on July 6th, 1862. As the eldest daughter of two (James and Lizzie Wells), she eventually earned her freedom shortly after her birth. Growing up, Ida always knew one thing, family is important. She learned that you have to hold onto them and protect as long as you can, because sometime, one day, they won’t be there. Even after Ida and her family were freed, it wasn’t the end. They faced a multitude of racial offense throughout their lives, and this is how it all started. James Wells, Ida’s father, had strong opinions towards African American rights. He was involved in many groups that stood up for African American freedom. In the beginning, these groups weren't to start riots, they were originated to tell children the truth about the world they lived in. Because of James, Ida became inspired. Ida soon went to a school for newly freed slaves. Sadly, she shortly dropped out because her parents, and one of her siblings, passed due to the worldwide disease, “Yellow Fever”. After this unexpected tragedy, Ida was motivated to take care of her siblings on her own.Years had passed, and Ida had decided to go back to school. She convinced a nearby country college that she was 18 years old (16 at the time), and they let her in. After raising her siblings, juggling through school, and being filled with stress, she had finally finished her schooling. Ida soon became a teacher in 1882, and moved to Memphis, Tennessee to live with her aunt because her brothers found work there as well. Everything was going “alright” for Ida and her family. Until one little train ride changed everything. Ida was coming home one night, with her 1st class ticket. When instantly, she was rudely asked to leave her seat, and Ida made one of the most independent and inspiring things an African American could ever do. She refused. Ida was removed from the train with with her head held high, and later sued the railroad with a winning $500. All went good, until unexpectedly the decision was overturned by the Supreme Court. This event was important because if this didn’t happen Ida might not have ever been the woman she is known as today. This event encouraged Ida to pick up her pen, and right about equal rights, and how life should be. Ida ended up publishing her words in the “Black Newspapers.” Ida ended up working as a Journalist and Publisher. She soon became the owner of “The Memphis Free Speech and Headlights”, and later on “The Free Speech”. As important as her writing meant to her, she still loved children. Ida took a job as a teacher in a segregated middle school, and became a vocal critic as well. Unfortunately, she was fired because of her speakings. As devastating as this was, Ida began to write again after her friends were murdered by a group of people (KKK). Many more African Americans were killed for wrongful reasons, and no one was interested in doing anything about it. The more and more people that were getting hurt the more and more Ida wanted to write. Risking her life, Ida took a trip for two weeks in the south researching more deaths to write about. Because of Ida’s decision, a white mob became angered and trashed/violate their equipment, newspapers, etc. Luckily, Wells was not in at the time, or things could have gone differently. Threats had been made that if Ida were ever to return to Memphis, she would be murdered. More years had passed, and Ida had moved to the north and more motivated for success. She researched more everyday, and eventually made a campaign (which she brought to the white house). She gained a huge career in the civil right's movement after this. Then, she formed the NACW (National Association of Colored Women). Well’s soon decided the women's suffrage was also a huge problem, and it wasn’t just African Americans who struggled at this time. Ida took a charge in her life. She never gave up on teaching, and soon became a principle, she lived her life to the fullest. Wells got married, and had her four children. Ida B. Wells lived her life to the fullest, and she never stopped fighting for what she believed in. Sadly, Ida B. Wells passed due to a kidney disease in Chicago, Illinois in 1931. Even after her death, Ida B. Wells left a forever impact on Women's Suffrage, and the Civil Rights Movement. She will forever be remembered as a fighter who never backed down. “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of the truth upon them”. By: Lindsey F
“I speak to you on this day to remind you of the suffrage that all women have faced since the beginning of our Republic. I stand before you to challenge your prejudiced beliefs of male supremacy. To ask for an amendment to our Constitution, the supreme law of our land. Our land is not only land once made for men, but for mankind as a whole. Today marks the day where we will spark change in our world. Women are just as capable of creating a stable foundation for future descendants as men are. Why aren’t we allowed to own land? Because of a simple rationale: men—not women—are running our country’s government. Henceforth, they have concluded that men are the only people allowed to own property. For centuries, we have let men diminish our courage, pride, and perseverance to fight back. Democracy is the foundation our country is built upon. And with democracy comes voting, a right that is currently reserved for men. However, many faults have been found in this plan, from warped perspectives to the unacknowledgement of severe issues that may arise in the future. If we neglect to uphold the duties that our country should identify, our descendants will suffer as we have for not fixing this horrific blunder we have created in our wake. We must dissent from these heinous crimes, or we will pay the toll later on. I believe that if we stop leaning on a man’s shoulder to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions, we can become one independent force that is unstoppable. All I’ve learned in life is to suffer in silence. But together, we will break the silence. Together, we can change the world. Together, we won’t stop fighting until there is no more battle to fight. Together, we will push an amendment to own property and to vote. We will do whatever we must to acheive equality, whether it be picket on the front lawn of the White House or simply hold conventions for women’s rights. After all, didn’t our ancestors travel to this New World for freedom and prosperity, not prejudice and bigotry?” By: Zach C
Jimmy (Hunter) October 14, 2016 I could smell the freshly cut grass. I could hear the birds chirping, but no ducks yet. It was the start of duck season and my friends, and I had taken our yearly three hour car ride out to where we go hunting to see if we could get some ducks. This year, duck season was gonna be different. Some of the trees where we usually had our stands in; were taken down, some of the blinds we had set up were gone, even most of the ducks were already dead, but we decided to come out anyway. We asked the DNR why the trees were taken down, and why our blinds and ducks were gone and they said because of us, but not our guns. Our cars were killing off some of the trees because of the fumes they release, pollution was killing the ducks because we were littering, and where we had our blinds was in an area where hunting was prohibited. Linda (DNR) October 14, 2016 We had to take their blinds away, they were in a place where they shouldn’t be. That wasn’t the only wrong thing that the hunters were doing though. With their big nasty trucks and their guns, they were killing off our animals, and the environment. The trees in the woods were starting to die, and so was the grass. Whenever the hunters come out here they bring a lot of snacks and drinks and they just leave them in the woods and don’t clean them up. Even though they tried not to, some hunters were littering. We don’t want to have to send the hunters away or make the whole woods a no hunting zone, but if we have to we will. Ricky (Hunter) October 20, 2017 It has been about a year since our last trip and it seems that the whole forest is dying. The pollution and the CO2 from us has been killing the whole woods for the last year and we didn’t even know about it. Jimmy told us something happened last time, but he never told us exactly what happened. I was talking to some news reporter and she said that hunting caused 23% of extinctions, I never knew that. I thought that when we renewed our license that the money went to helping the environment, but that might just be in some places because it doesn’t look like this forrest got any help. I was hoping this year that we were gonna get some ducks, but they are being protected right now. Sasha (DNR) September 16, 2017 Since the trees are dead, we started cutting them down. We don’t want the trees to affect the grass because the grass is starting to die off to. We warned most of the hunters that came here that if they didn’t stop littering and driving around here all the time that they wouldn’t have a spot to hunt. We banned them from hunting here since last duck season because that is when most hunters show up, and we didn’t want to go through the mess of cleaning the forest up again. We’ll start by getting all of the ducks out of the forest so they don’t get hurt, then we’ll start to cut down the trees. By Jadyn Bennett I run on the track My team by my side With dust in my shoes Breath as even as the tide She pulls ahead With a look of determination I stare at her blankly and think What in tarnation? She was trying to beat me To pass me, to slow me But what her problem was Was that she didn’t know me I ran with my heart That one sweltering hot day To pass that one girl To the top I must stay But that fateful day I forgot to tie my shoes And over I went That one day I did rue I fell to the ground with Defeat in my heart I could not run no more No more running did I start I looked at my team With disappointment in their eyes And only then did I Stay down and cry But then that girl The one with determination Turned around and ran back To where I was stationed She grabbed my arm And pulled me to my feet And said, together we will finish This hot dreary meet So together we did Cross that finish line As the last on our teams But that couldn’t dull our shine Because on that day I lost nothing Instead I gained A friend who was something So to answer your question Do sports bring us together I’ll have to say They bring out the best in us I left the house Again that day To go to practice In early May Football was in 4 months Why do we start now? Because when I play I want them to say wow Last year I lost all my friends By losing our championship game I guess my friends Had resentment they couldn’t tame Because of my actions I fell in a deep hole A hole of regret, sorrow And it took it’s tole I stayed in my room Afraid to come out To see those looks of resentment And those looks of doubt No body believed in me Not anymore I couldn’t do anything My old life was a lore Sports destroyed my life My parents kicked me out Because I sat around all day Stressing them out I know I can’t be perfect But at least give me a second chance For I won’t let you down again I’ll take my final stance ・・・・・ The season ended long ago The chance I did not take I didn’t get to redeem myself No movement towards it did I take My days go by in a drive thru Because I now work at Taco Bell I had dropped out of Highschool And from there my life fell So to answer your question Do sports break us apart I’ll have to say They bring out the worst in us By: Tessa S.
She came to me one sunny day, Eager and ready to work. I couldn’t get through the day alone, So a service dog is what it took. She helps me with my daily tasks, And makes my life a breeze. If the door is closed she opens it up, And turns on the lights with ease. She’s the truest friend I’ve ever known, I’m so lucky to have her in my life. The way her love to me is shown Lets me soar to all new heights. By: Lyndsey S.
Music is so wonderful. Music can prepare you to learn, Those math problems you always struggle with. Don’t forget that music helps you remember. Memory games can be so hard without music on your side, Music will help you with those tricky little cards, And with the right answer on that Math test. Music is wonderful. Music creates the creativity in your life. Ideas just sing themselves onto the page. Music is a medicine, That always seems to be the right cure. For friendship and happiness, Go hand in hand with music. When you play your instrument, Confidence sings along in harmony. The teamwork it took to bring it all together, Shines out happily. Music is so beautifully wonderful. By: Faith P
Blindness is not a choice So it’s time to use your voice Some say you cannot do it But really they just don’t understand it You cannot choose to be blind or to see The things that happen are meant to be Many tease you for time periods so long But that’s when you show them and prove them wrong There are different kinds of blindness Not all of them are the same Like Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Septo Optic dysplasia is it’s nickname You can be born blind or gain it There is nobody to blame If it happens then it happens But still we’re all the same People judge by what they think they can do And not by who they really are What they look like and what they wear But from them they say, “It just isn’t fair.” So when you see them try to help them Don’t judge them and don’t laugh When you’re blind you’re still a human There’s nothing that can change that Everyone has the same feelings It hurts them just the same They may not be able to see you But remember that they too have names I know it can be hard sometimes But life is all about the climb All you have to do is learn And everything will be just fine Sport Specialization Destroys Dreams
By: Malea Neuroth Sports are meant for kids to enjoy He goes to the hospital to get x-rays They are meant to make childhoods fun He is told to wait But adults have changed the game He sits there agonizing the news Since when they were young The doctors tell him straight Pushing for intense training He has torn his ACL in his knee To start as young as 8 or 9 The boy sits in shock The Kid thinks it’s really cool His parents just look at him That is while he is not very old Waiting for his response The kid grows up in the big, hot gym At first he thinks they’re joking Never stopping his intense training But he looks in their eyes and knows While his friends are outside playing a game That this is no laughing matter He is stuck inside practicing like always His life is about to change forever He runs and runs until he’s sick He sits out for 6 months He goes through a couple shirts Waiting for his knee to heal He never tells anyone what’s going on He practices hard like he did before While his body starts to hurt But he’ll never be the same He falls and twists his knee a bit His dreams are crushed just like that But he tells his coach he’s NOT going to sit If only he would have known It bothers him when he runs up and down the court That playing and practicing that hard When he stops or when he jumps Would have hurt him in the end The kid tells himself that he is fine While his competitive parents push him harder He continues to play the game he loves Until he is no longer physically able In the middle of a big game All of a sudden he just falls to the ground The gym fills with this heart-sinking sound He screams while his team and coach rush to his side |
Ms.Backstrom's class has been working on creative writing pieces based around 'big question' research. Take a look at what they've come up with!
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