There’s something fishy going on here!

Calvin Christian students have done some interesting Independent Projects, ranging from technology, to hands on arts and crafts, to a business plan for airsoft, to a popular sport here in Minnesota. What sport you ask? Good old outdoor fishing. Three sophomores at CCHS put their heads together and came up with a project centered on fishing. Not the sport itself, but rather the impact it has on the Minnesotan culture, the economy, and the sport of fishing. Recently the fishing opener began, and people are grabbing their tackle boxes and poles to get out and enjoy the spring. Sophomores Matt Johnson, Ian Krueger, and Karl Ludwig are prepping their gear to venture forth and answer the questions they have for this project. But how did this project come about? Matt Johnson, presented the idea to Ian and Karl, and the idea stuck, or in fishing terms, they got hooked, pun intended. These three friends are getting outdoors and enjoying the weather, the sport, and finding out how it all ties into the Minnesotan culture and economy.  

Below is a video that is going to be part the group's presentation. It demonstrates how to fillet and skin a fish, so watch accordingly.

Things To Do This Summer!

Hey students, is your summer looking a little dull? Well here is a list of things in the Twin Cities that are affordable and look fun. For you art lovers there are plenty of festivals and fair to go to. Here's a couple: Art and All that Jazz in Burnsville, and Eagan Art Festival.  Would you like to eat for free? Back to the 50’s will include free food, and a car show in Falcon Heights. And there is also always the YMCA. Join for the family membership, and you can be swimming all summer long! There's tons of classes, gyms, even some camps. Just be sure to you get outside and do something. Have a great summer!

- Angela Balboa

Modern Injustice Projects

For the past month, students in 20th Century Literature and Art have been applying what they have learned in their Holocaust studies to modern injustice.  Students chose a modern injustice, researched about it, heard stories and watched documentaries, explored art and music, and learned about what can be done to prevent these injustices. Over and over again, awareness and education came up in what can be done today.  How can we make a difference?  Educate and be informed!  So, the students of this class chose to share their projects with CCHS Cougar's Tale in hopes of raising awareness to our readers.  May we never be silent and may we never be bystanders.

Sex Trafficking
South Sudan Genocide
Bosnian Genocide
Somalia
Blood Diamonds

Sophomores Attempt Wind Turbines!

This year in physical science, the sophomores are advancing their understanding of electronics and physics by building a wind turbine. The goal of the wind turbine project is to understand how we can use mechanics and electronics to produce energy. Each student is using a unique design that may have been based off of a previously existing turbine design, or it may be completely new and unique. Sophomore Matt Johnson commented: “(My turbine) is not based off of any other design, it is entirely unique. It is a horizontal box collection unit with rotating disks of fury.” After deciding on a design, students must design a detailed blueprint to use as a reference point while building the turbine. After this, students must find all the materials they need, before finally starting to actually build the turbine. Matt Johnson mentioned that this had been the hardest part, “Getting all the materials together and getting them to work properly without breaking.” Hopefully, the sophomores will soon have their wind turbines all up and running.

- Ian Krueger

CCHS Paper! Final Issue of the Year!

Please take the time to read through our final issue of the year.  Congratulations to the journalism team for a great year on print and on the blog!

Vol 6 Issue 11

Physics Class "Does" Physics at Valleyfair

Yesterday the physics class here at CCHS boarded a bus and headed off for a day at Valleyfair, partially to learn about physics and mostly to have fun here at the year’s end. During their time there, the students calculated the speed of Steel Venom and found that it travels at about 13.1 meters/second, but you don’t really think about that then you’re suspended 185 feet in the air facing the ground. Power Tower is the same way, but it’s a little higher and more of a sudden drop, which leaves for little mathematical thinking in the four seconds that you spend plummeting back to earth. The sun was (surprisingly) out for part of the time, making for a pleasant day to be outside. The class boarded the bus again at 2:30 and headed home having avoided most classes of the school day.

- Nathan Bonnema

CCHS Remembers Zach Sobiech

On May 20, Zach Sobiech, a resident of Lakeland, Minnesota, passed away at the age of 18 due to osteosarcoma. After being diagnosed with the aforementioned cancer at age fourteen, he was told in June that he had less than a year to live. His mom told him that he should start writing goodbye letters, so he took to the mic and started recording songs, a passion of his. After passing away last week, his song “Clouds” reached #1 on iTunes, with the proceeds from the song going to a research fund started in his name. Zach Sobiech will be remembered for always having a smile on his face and for making everyone feel like they meant the world to him. He has inspired people all over the country, and in the documentary below, he offers this piece of advice: “You don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living.”

Clouds:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDC97j6lfyc

- Nathan Bonnema

CCHS Spring Concert

Music, and art filled the night air at CCHS for the spring concert on Thursday, May 23rd . The Calvin band played a number of energetic pieces, and the choir sang many different types of songs. There was also a portion of this event where you could show off your talent as a soloist, or with other people. During intermission friends, and family were allowed to look around at the art created by the students here. All included drawings, paintings, woodshop art, abstract, and more. This night wouldn’t have been possible without our teachers here, and especially Mrs.Anderson and Mrs. VanGeest.

- Angela Balboa

Sophomore Poetry Projects

This trimester, the sophomores have been working hard in Mr Schaap’s poetry class. In this class, the sophomores must write many of their own poems, study and present on a poet of their choice, and produce a final product about their poet. From sonnet forms to different poetic tools, the tenth grade class has learned a lot this trimester. Here are just a few of the poems that have been written by students in poetry class. - Ian Krueger

The Field

By Jeremiah Wicklund

A softly glowing yellow spans the sea of land

The clouds envelop the sun, their king

They surround him on either side, ready to obey him

They are his guardians, his trusty servants

His face radiating peace and kindness

The mountains kneel in front of him

And the winds bow in reverence

But when the king goes to rule

on the other side of his magnificent castle,

the clouds awaken and transform

They surround the glowing yellow field

Their faces now thunderheads, pouring down anguish and pain

They strike the field with rage and terror

They show not an inch of mercy

To the people they are supposed to protect.

The field is powerless,

and is forced to submit to the clouds’ reign

Until the king returns.

A Paradox

By Sara Shields

I want to be happy

Yet I think about sad things

Think about war and hatred

And all the horror it brings

I am ambitious

Still I am lazy

I want some attention

But people drive me crazy

I don’t like how I look

But I love who I am

I know what I want

But I don’t have a plan

I am a confused contradiction

A conflict with myself

I don’t know how to change it

It may affect my health

There is so much I don’t know

like what is wrong and what is right

I haven’t figured myself out

But maybe you might

The Lilydale Landslide

Tragedy struck at the popular fossil hunting spot at Lilydale Regional Park this past Wednesday, the same location that our own freshmen visit each year with their Earth Science course. Fourth grade students from Peter Hobart Elementary School in St. Louis Park were picking through the rocks looking for fossils on their field trip. Suddenly and without warning, the rain soaked gravel foundation shifted and gave way, burying a small group of students. Four students were involved - two unfortunately passed away, two are in the hospital with one in serious condition. The search for the missing child continued through the Wednesday night and into Thursday. Rescue crews had set up lights and worked through the long hours of night to locate the missing student. Our prayers and comforts go out to those families affected by the landslide.

- Andrew Thomas

Freshmen Duluth Trip

Duluth Trip

Freshman exploring the Geology of Minnesota

The freshman class has started a new unit in Earth Science within the past three weeks about rocks and their “weird” geology. On Monday, May 20th, freshmen, along with Mr. V and Mr.Schaap, went to a number of locations in Duluth, Taylor's Falls, Lake Superior, Banning State park, and lots more. There was plenty of hiking and lots of physical fun challenges for a number of students. Freshmen got to collect all different types of rocks, especially agates. On the last day it was a hunt to see who could get the best agate. Despite the rain, and cold weather it was a great learning experience.

- Angela Balboa

CCHS: Cinderella

Last weekend CCHS held its two showings of the classic musical, Cinderella. The musical was directed by former graduate Ellen DeYoung, who worked long hours to ensure that the shows would be successful. Juniors Nathan Mulder and Abby Petersen played the roles of Prince Charming and Cinderella, respectively. After working for long hours memorizing lines and dancing at play practice, the shows turned out to be a great success. A mixture of singing, dancing and humor kept the audience engaged and interested throughout, with the humor coming specifically from junior Tony Sauro, who played the herald. Participants from all classes were involved and they each played a key role in making this year’s spring drama a success. Congratulations to all involved!

- Nathan Bonnema

CCHS Reflection: Tim Bosma

The death of Mr. Tim Bosma has been all over social media recently. Often when we hear of atrocities such as the one surrounding Mr. Bosma’s death, we feel compassion for the family of the deceased, but the whole affair seems rather surreal. Mr. Bosma’s death, however, hits closer to home; he was a part of the Dutch Christian Reformed Church community, which many of us are a part of.

The Bosma’s two year old daughter was baptized in 2011. At that time, the members of the church made baptismal vows to care for the child and encourage her to become a woman of faith. Now that the child is fatherless, these vows take on a new meaning. Now the members have the responsibility to support Mrs. Bosma and help her raise her daughter. It is their opportunity to demonstrate what the Body of Christ should look like. Even church members who don’t attend the Bosma’s church have the responsibility to care for this family, though.

Mr. Veenstra, the pastor of Ancaster CRC, where the Bosma family attends, said “We’re the body of Jesus. When one part hurts, we all hurt, and then we take it to the Lord in prayer.” CRC churches all over North America have shown support for the Bosma family. They have held prayer vigils, posted comments of encouragement on the Facebook page dedicated to Mr. Bosma, and agreed to sing ‘In Christ Alone’ at church to show solidarity. It is the duty of fellow Christians to keep the Bosma family in their thoughts and prayers as they deal with this tragedy.

- Lydia Marcus

CCHS Prom: An Evening By the Sea

Last Saturday, Calvin held its annual Prom, this time at The Mermaid in Mounds View. The students arrived around 6:30 and were dressed in fancy dresses and sharp suits and tuxedos. After taking pictures and talking for a while, the students sat at their tables and enjoyed a dinner provided by caterers at The Mermaid. Soon after the lighthearted senior wills and prophecies were read, students ate some dessert, and hit the dance floor. The dance featured a great DJ who mixed some awesome songs, and together the students had a great two-plus hours of dancing. When the dance ended around 10:15, many were exhausted from the high energy dancing and overall, feedback about the event was great! Thank you to the chaperones and those who came to take pictures, and also thank you to those who helped to plan such a great night for our school.

- Nathan Bonnema

Independent Projects Highlight: Home Economics

Independent Projects

Rachel Anderson and Home Economics

Rachel Anderson, a junior, has been working on her Home Economics project that she started in March. Since then, she has made bread, chicken, raspberry pie, soup, cornbread  muffins, lasagna, angel food cake, and bacon wrapped stuffed cream cheese chicken. She said that she is also “[s]tarting to sew more, working on making a puppet with my dad, and starting a scarf.” Both Rachel and Abby Petersen, also a junior, feel that lasagna has been the best thing Rachel has made so far. “She ate my lasagna three days in a row,” Rachel commented. I also asked if she would be using these recipes in the future. “Yes,” she answered, “unless I wanna survive on Mac & Cheese for the rest of my life”. This may sound easy but Rachel has had her struggles, “The hardest things was making Angel Food Cake; the blender broke too I had to use a manual one.” Seems that Rachel has learned a lot of new things that could benefit her in the future. You can follow Rachel's Home Economics adventures on her blog: http://rachel-home-ec.blogspot.com/ 


- Angela Balboa

Issue 10 PDF

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Issue 10

Human Anatomy and Physiology: Bodies Field Trip

Bodies Field Trip

Thursday, April 18th had a lot in store for the Human Anatomy and Physiology class (HAP) as they went to the Science Museum of Minnesota and experienced  the inner workings of the body up close by viewing the Body Worlds exhibit. Since the beginning of their 3rd trimester, juniors and seniors of the HAP class have been learning about the various parts of the human body, how each part functions, and what crucial role it plays in the daily life of each individual.  At the Bodies exhibit, students were fascinated by the inner workings of the body, and were in awe of the complex machine the body is. Being able to view the smallest of the workings in our body is a very interesting thing indeed. Going to the science museum, they were able to see up close how the body works, get a more of a hands on experience, a further in-depth look, and an overall understanding of the bodies they have and how complex they are, and the wonderful creation they are in the eyes of God. Reflecting on the exhibit, Jacob Bursaw, a senior, gave his interests about the time there. “I enjoyed my time there, I was able to see all of the muscles and ligaments to move the body.” When asked what surprised him the most he responded, “all the information about the lungs, it was a lot to take in, but it was understandable.” The entire class enjoyed their adventure through the exhibit, and they will continue their learning further in the class of one of God’s best creations, the human body.

- Andrew Thomas