Biology I Students Solve a "Murder"

by Allison Pardi

What really happened to I’m A Goner? The Biology I students can tell you exactly what happened to her. Each student in the class learned what it is like to be a crime investigator as well as how to look at objects under a microscope. There were six pieces of evidence. For example, hair, which was light brown, fabric, which was multiple colors, and blood. Also, there was a writing sample, fingerprint sample, and an unknown substance, which turned out to be snake skin.

There were four suspects: Mr. Tripp, Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Hill, and Mrs. Stallings. As you probably already know Ms. Hill is the head coach for varsity volleyball. She is also the librarian for Paris High School; Mrs. Stallings is the junior varsity coach for volleyball, who also teaches science exploration. Mr. Goodwin is the athletic director for the sports at Paris High School. Last but not least, Mr. Tripp is the band director for Paris High School band students.

After spending class time researching the data, the Biology I students concluded what evidence matched which suspect. All evidence and the crime were located in Room 25 at Paris High School. The hair was located on the table and on a mouth piece to a saxophone. The hair evidence belonged to either Mr. Tripp or Ms. Hill. This was conclusive because the hair evidence couldn’t have matched Mrs. Stallings because her hair is black or Mr. Goodwin because he has buzz cut. The unknown substance was snakeskin and belonged to Mrs. Stallings’s snake. Also, the writing sample matched Mrs. Stallings’s handwriting. The blood evidence couldn’t be matched with a person because more tests needed to be ran. The fingerprint had an ulnar loop, same as Ms. Hill's fingerprints.

After all lab reports were turned in, the students in Biology I learned that Mr. Tripp would not let the pep band play at the volleyball game. Out of anger, Mrs. Stallings’s threw a volleyball, aiming at Mr. Tripp, and accidently hit I’m A Goner. I’m a Goner was feeding Mrs. Stallings snake. I'm a Goner death's was a result of the volleyball that Mrs. Stalling's had thrown. Knowing she would get blamed for it, Mrs. Stallings tried to cover up the scene by planting evidence to incriminate the other suspects.

When asked what was liked best about the lab report and what was learnt, freshman Andrea LeLoup answered, “I liked looking at the evidence, and it taught me that all cells are different.” When asked the same question freshman Mikela Washburn replied, “I liked the sketching part and using microscopes. I learned about cells and how to make a wet mount slide.”

This was the 10th year that the crime lab assignment has been completed by Biology I students. It is an excellent, hands-on learning experience and is sure to continue on for many more years!

Students Audition for IMEA

by Kayla Foushee

Alex Fenza paced nervously up and down the hall at Effingham junior high. With an hour left till his audtition Alex knows he has some time to practice his songs.

Alex Fenza, along with five other Paris Cooperative High School choral students tried out for All District Choir.

All of the choir students were required to preform three triads, three scales, prepared pieces, and sight reading.

“I was somewhat nervous, yet I was confident in myself,” said Alex Fenza to describe how he felts about audtitiong.

The students wre given scales and songs to practice for auditions. They had to score a certain amount of points in order to go to All District.

All of the students that went to IMEA had a lot of fun. “It was a very fun experience. We made new friends who had the same interest as us,” Olivia Underwood said about IMEA. IMEA is a great way for vocalists to learn more aobut their voices, and it’s also a great way to meet new friends.

At IMEA All District the students were auditioning for a mass choir with hundreds of other high school students around the state. Once they audition and make it to All District the juniors and seniors have the option to audition for all state. Only the top singers make it to All State.

IMEA is an amazing thing for singers to take place in. You learn so much aobut music and about your voice and also make a ton of new friend!

Mrs. Block's Chemistry Club

by Madison Gates

Mrs. Block’s Chemistry Club had their first monthly meeting on Saturday. They experimented with different labs and demonstrations to showcase during a December visit from Crestwood’s 2nd – 5th graders with the Gifted and Talented program. Also on the agenda was the design of their t-shirts and plans for the year.

“We will be working with the 7th graders again this fall performing labs with them and will be judging the Science Fair at Crestwood in the spring. We also want to start a recycling program for plastic bottles at the High School,” says Mrs. Block.

Chemistry Club is open to those that have taken or are currently enrolled in Chemistry II and meets on the second Saturday of each month. “It’s hard to get all club members together with their busy schedules,” Block stated, “but we do our best to interact with the community as much as possible to encourage our youth to take more science when they get to the high school.” Social outings are also scheduled such as roller skating, laser tag, and fun with “liquid nitrogen” day.

New Class Has Students Performing

by Madison Gates

Theater Arts is a new class this year offered at Paris High School for juniors and seniors. Mr. Lynch is the Drama Coordinator as well as the teacher for the class. Mr. Lynch develops the students’ core acting skills and builds public speaking confidence. Generally, public speaking is the largest hurdle for most students.

Lately to build confidence, they have been video recording monologues during the 3rd hour class. This monologue allows students to practice "a hands on approach" to public speaking. Aubrie Lamb, a junior said, "It helps boost our confidence." The video allows visual opportunities of seeing themselves on screen and a method for students to review and improve upon their skills.

Mr. Lynch said, "They’re breaking legs and taking names." Next week, they plan to be doing radio dramas. At the end of the semester, they will be presenting one act plays in the evening. If you're a junior or senior next year, keep this class in mind when planning your schedule!