Trojan Times
Spring Edition
Earth Day
By Amber Lohman
There are many reasons why we should protect the environment. People hear them get thrown around, but often don’t genuinely process the effects of pollution. For starters, air pollution can put humans in a lot of danger. Breathing in the chemicals in the air can cause asthma attacks, allergies, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases. This can severely harm, or even kill a person. Stopping pollution could save people’s lives. Pollution can also have effects on the atmosphere, which may not cause harm to us directly, but could cause problems in the ecosystem that will eventually come back to us.
Air pollution has created holes in the o-zone layer of the atmosphere, and heated the average temperature of the earth. We’ve all heard of global warming, but many people don’t know how awful its effects could be. Global warming is melting ice in the Arctic and Antarctic parts of the world, which is raising water levels in the ocean. This will eventually flood the land on earth and drown out many countries.
The pollution doesn't stop with our air. Plastic in the ocean is a large problem that hurts many types of animals. Fish, turtles, birds, and other animals that live in or near oceans can eat plastic and get poisoned, choke on plastic, or get plastic wrapped around their bodies so they can’t move. Every time a piece of plastic goes into the ocean, it could be deadly to an animal in that environment. Something as simple as recycling plastic can save millions of ocean animals.
Pollution is a huge problem in our society, but how can you help? There are many ways to help the environment, big and small. Everyday things you can do include using reusable straws, cups, and shopping bags; conserving water; turning off lights you’re not using; and recycling paper and plastic. If you really want to put in the extra effort to save the earth, you can volunteer at places that help clean the earth and educate yourself and other people on the dangers of pollution. There are many other ways to help the environment that you can learn about by doing research and learning more about pollution if you would like to help. The truth is, the backlash of pollution can be fatal to our world. Since this world is the only one we have, taking care of it is vital to our survival. So go out and help the environment. Next time you see a plastic cup or aluminum can on the ground, pick it up and throw it away; better yet, recycle it. Something as small as picking up one small piece of trash everyday, with every person in the world doing it, could majorly help animals, plants, and could eventually help us too.
Citations:
https://www.kent.co.in/blog/what-will-happen-if-the-level-of-air-pollution-continu es-to-increase/amp/ https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/earthday.html https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/eight-simple-ways-to-help-the-environment
A Little History of Earth Day
By Phoenix Bridegroom
In the spring of 1970, Earth Day was invented to force national issues, like littering, and have a day where all Americans can have the chance to try and help the earth. Today we still celebrate this so-called “holiday”, and make a difference in the world. Now, there are many ways to help the earth. For example, instead of throwing away plastic water bottles, you can recycle it so it has the opportunity to become something new. You can also help plant trees, flowers, or even plant a vegetable garden.
Now not only can Americans celebrate earth day, but people from all over the world can help the earth by recycling, planting plants, use solar power, etc. Start your planning!
April, As My Cat Sees It
By Madison Boatright
This Month in History...April
By Logan Arthur
April is a very interesting month. There aren’t that many holidays and it is the beginning of spring, but there are a lot of interesting things that happened. Here are 15 pieces of history that happened in April.
April 1, 1976- Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniacki founded Apple computer.
April 4, 1968- Martin Luther KIng Jr. is assassinated.
April 4, 1975- Microsoft is founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
April 10, 1912- The RMS Titanic departs on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England.
April 12, 1961- Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first person in space.
April 13, 1997- Tiger Woods wins the Masters Golf Tournament, becoming the first African American and youngest person to win the event.
April 14, 1865- Abraham Lincoln is shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C.
April 15, 1955- The first franchised McDonald’s restaurant opens in Des Plaines, IL.
April 18, 1783- Fighting ends for the American Revolution.
April 18, 1906- The Great San Francisco earthquake hits.
April 21, 753 B.C.- The city of Rome, Italy was founded.
April 22, 1969- The first human eye transplant is performed.
April 28, 1967- Muhammad Ali refuses to be inducted into the army and is stripped of his world heavyweight title.
April 30, 1936- Warner Brother’s “Bugs Bunny” debuts.
April 30, 1952- Mr. Potato Head is marketed for the first time.
The Beauty of April
By Chloe Mcgowan
April is arguably one of the most beautiful months out of the year; Rising temperatures in weather, along with flowers beginning to bloom strikes appreciation in the hearts of many. It is also the perfect time to get back into the swing of things. There are many safe and fun activities one can do, inside and outside of their homes. A few of these past time options include gardening, hiking, biking, even playing sports. There are a lot of good options, but here is a basic list of the best ones to choose from, so enjoy!
First off, you can go hiking! Since the weather is clearing up — though it doesn’t seem like it at times — exercise will be easier to commit to, so why not go on a hike? Whether it be in a mountain range or a national park, there’s great sights and memories to make while hiking. This can also apply to running and cycling. Basically, exercise is a great pastime, and it's healthy for you too! Instead of sitting around watching TV, go for a walk in this lovely spring atmosphere.
The second option is gardening. If you’re looking for a new hobby, wanting to add color to your yard, or simply trying to drive away boredom, gardening is a great opportunity for all of those! Not only can you show off your shrubby creations to others, you can also feel proud of something you were able to grow. Additionally, you can get some fresh fruits and vegetables, which can lead to new ingredients and recipes. If not something you can eat, flowers can be lovely decorations and gifts.
The final option is connecting with others. Since spring is finally here, it's the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends — safely, of course, with all this Covid business. Invite a friend or a family member to a local park to catch-up. Have a picnic with your partner for a romantic scene straight out of a movie. Do all the things you couldn’t during the cold seasons! It might be worth the reconnection you could gain.
All in all, April is a one of the kind. Despite it being severely bi-polar with its weather, unpredictable on the best of days, it is one of the prettiest months. Keep in mind, that this is YOUR month, and you can do whatever you please. However, if you’re looking for something to do, remember all the activities you can get involved with. It might just make April even better.
Chesterton Middle School
Location: 651 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3776