March 9, 2018 hi line

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Tiger HI-LINE

Friday, March 9, 2018

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Volume 59 Edition 20

Robotics team 525 qualifies for Worlds This past weekend Robotics team 525, also known as the SWART DOGS, qualified for the championships in Detroit after a robotics competition in South Dakota. At the championship competition, the team will travel to compete against other robotics teams across the world.

The SWART DOGS have qualified for nationals every year since 2008, 2017 being the first year since that they did not qualify.

Senior and drive team coach Molly Hensing said, “In 2016, half of our team was seniors, so in 2017 it was definitely a rebuilding and learning year for all the new students we had, as well as team leaders.

This year our team has a lot more knowledge on what not to do and things we need to improve on from last year.”

Team 525 was established in 1999 by physics teacher Kenton Swartley. From there the team has won many titles and has been fulfilling its mission to promote STEM in the Cedar Valley.

“We will collaborate as a team to shape the future of our students and inspire others by providing opportunities to learn, create and compete while guided by the principles of gracious professionalism” the team’s mission statement on its website.

This year the team is composed of 38 students, each one taking an important role in the competition, building and background aspects of the team.

Swartley said, “We have a drive team, which includes two students that drive the robot, and a coach, a human player who interacts with the robot, a technician and lots of students in the stands scouting. That is really important, so you can know what other teams robots are doing. One, so you can see other teams’ match strategies, and two, making sure you can pick the best teams for your alliance.”

Submitted Photo

Team 525 adviser Kenton Swartley instructs students at their past competiton, earning them a trip to the Robotics World Championship.

The release of the challenge for this year’s contest was on Jan. 1, and from there the team has six weeks to plan and design a robot. After that period, the team bags up its robot, taking it to competitions across the country.

“This year the game is called ‘Power Up,’ and it is themed after old video games,” Swartley said. “The teams have milk crates with a yellow cover, and the robots have to pick those up and deposit

them into a teeter totter mechanism. It is race with the other alliance of who can get more cubes on their end and tilt in in their direction.”

The teams earn points based on each second that the teeter totter is in their direction. The team with the most points wins and can form an alliance with two other teams to increase its score. The top team of the alliance will receive the title.

At the world championships, the team

that includes visual, audio and participatory elements has the ability to make a greater effect, but the problem lies in trying to pinpoint what those effects are and how widespread they are.”

American culture influences teenagers to be intrigued with video games, yet video games are just one part of the media environment.

Harmsen said, “Americans exist in an entire culture that is more than just video games. If you look at all kinds of media products, you see a lot of violence. In fact, violence, even graphic depictions of violence, is tolerated much more in things like television programs and even films than are depic-

tions of things like nudity.”

According to a study by Whitney DeCamp from Western Michigan University, 90 percent of boys will already have played violent video games by high school years.

Critics argue that in other countries in the world, the same video games are played and seen by the same age groups of people without the same level of gun violence. The amount of gun violence in America results in eight times more gun deaths than Canada, yet the same video games are available in both countries.

“This ties in with our culture, is the prevalence of guns in our country,”

OFF TARGET

In the recent uproar over gun safety and laws, video game violence is in the public eye once again. The question that many critics of video games have asked is, do video games make people more violent?

Dr. Shawn Harmsen, communication professor and media researcher at Coe College said, “Mass communication research has been going on for the better part of a century asking about the impact on youth from movies and comic books to television and video games. but results have been conflicting and inconsistent. What I think we can say is that all media has some effect on all of us, and there is reason to believe media

will compete against over 400 teams for a world title.

“They take all the teams and split them into six divisions. Each division is about the size of a small regionals, which is about 70 teams,” Swartley said. “Each division has its own competition, and at the end of the event, the division has a playoff to determine their division winner. Each division winner is an alliance of three teams.”

With so many robotic teams competing, the SWART DOGS have hopes of improvement and work ethic playing a part of their success on such a large scale.

“In the championships, the furthest we have gone is the semi finals of a division,” Swartley said. “We’d like to make it further.”

“I think overall the team goal is to do the best we can,” Hensing said. “We’ve improved a lot since last year, and I think everyone on the team is hoping that work will pay off by making it far in the competition.”

The team has had many successes over the years, which can be shown in the number of blue banners lining their shop.

“You get awarded a blue banner for every regional championship and chairman award you receive. Another way is if a mentor gets a Woodie Flowers award. We ought to get them hung up in the gym, but we like to keep them for ourselves,” Swartley said with a laugh.

The SWARTdogs will be competing at the Iowa Regional competition at the McLeod center on March 22-24. There will be 61 teams attending, and it will be the last competition before the team is sent off to compete at the world championship competition.

By Editor-in-Chief Rachel

SCHMID

Experts question connecting video game violence to shootings

Harmsen said. “Whether it’s a domestic assault with a gun, suicide, an accidental shooting or a mass shooting, it’s just easier to get a gun in our country. I suspect these factors play off of each other in America because they exist in here in ways they don’t elsewhere.”

Despite critics that video games do not affect gun violence, President Trump blames the video games as a factor for recent gun violence. “I’m hearing more and more people say the level of violence on video games is really shaping young people’s thoughts,” Trump said after the Parkland, Fla., shootings.

‘GAME VIOLENCE’

Continued on Page 2

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NEWS

Friday, March 9, 2018

HI-LINE

Bill passed by senate requires students to pass civics test to graduate high school Senate File 2341 was passed through the senate on Feb. 28, a bill that could potentially affect many Iowa high school students.

The proposed law would require every student in Iowa to pass a civics examination to graduate from high school.

If the bill becomes law, students will take a 100 question exam from the most recent test administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Once students enroll in the seventh grade, the test would be offered to them at no cost. The exam would be pass/ fail, and could be taken as many times as needed to pass. The exam would be limited to one attempt per school year.

Senator and sponsor of the bill Jerry Behn considers the exam as a way to make sure students are learning and retaining information about the government and the Constitution. He said, “Section of 256.115B of the code requires that high school students have a study of the constitution. This exam is a way to gauge if they’re learning what they’re actually supposed to be taught. In addition, it puts them on par with immigrants. The idea is that students should have knowledge of our nation’s government and political process.”

In addition to testing students, Behn also said it can teach students new information. “It will help individuals learn more about the government, about the constitution, so I see it as a win-win.”

Currently, to meet the 256.115B code, all Iowa schools are required to have students take a government class. If the information is retained, this class could double as preparation for the new civics exam.

A survey taken by 68 CFHS sophomores, juniors and seniors illustrates that half of them believe the knowledge gained from their government class and other classes at the high school is not enough for one to pass the test. At Cedar Falls,

This survey represents the opinion of 68 CFHS students.

“I see both sides of the issue. On one side, this is one more test that high school students are forced to take in addition to the other stress in their lives. On the other side, this could help students gain knowledge of how government works and gives them insight into the United States immigration process.”

— sophomore Devin O’Loughlin

government is offered in the form of AP and regular level classes. Eight of the students noted the regular government class does not dive deep enough and provide enough knowledge for the exam. Both the AP and regular government class is a semester long, and many students felt that this is not enough time to soak up the information being taught.

Out of the 68 students that took the survey, 68 percent said they think Iowa should not require students to pass a civics test to gradu-

‘GAME VIOLENCE’/Continued from Page 1 Yet Harmsen argues that video games are not a major factor in school shootings. “I think if we were to line up valid and likely reasons for school shootings, at the end of the day video games would be way down the list,” he said. “I am not sure even connecting them makes the most sense or will yield much benefit. That said, there are just good arguments for being wise consumers and gamers when it comes to amount of use. Games are fun. They

are designed to be fun, and even psychologically addicting. That’s a different issue.”

Harmsen said that video games can be fine, but like any media content, parents should monitor the content to make sure it’s healthy and appropriate for children.

“My opinion of ratings is that, again as a parent with a 9-year-old who loves video games, that they are helpful as I decide what games to allow him to

ate from high school.

Students noted that a multiple choice test in its nature does not always test their knowledge of civics.

For instance, a question like “Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s” cannot test a student’s true knowledge of government.

Senor Arlo Hettle said emphasizing the topics of voter registration and civics issues are more important than knowing basic facts about the Constitution. “I think that civic understanding and engagement is vital, but I think things like automatic

buy,” Harmsen said. “I think there are good and valid reasons why limiting video game playing time is a healthy life choice to make. There is some legitimately problematic content in video games, from violence to misogyny to racial stereotypes. This isn’t exactly unique to video games in our culture.”

Video games are consistently an easy target for criticism, yet accusations against video games often mask the true factors of America’s problems with

voter registration and more discussions of civic issues and how they affect students would have more of a positive impact. I feel like this test would act more as a nuisance than as a way to engage students in thinking about their government,” he said.

Senior Claire Rollinger also said she values engaging students in politics and the knowledge that comes along with it, but she said she believes this exam could be an outlet for students to learn more.

“I think politics are something that is really important,” Rollinger said, “especially at this age. It is really important for us to start developing our opinions and thinking about legislation and different policies so that when we become 18 we can vote and have a voice in our country and society. I was reading an article last night, and there was a very large percent of people who couldn’t even name all three branches of government, which is really sad. I mean you have to develop your opinions. It’s your civic duty to have a voice in the government and act. I would hope it would do that.”

The goal of education is to deeply engage students in the knowledge. Hettle, who took a practice test offered by the Des Moines Register, does not believe this test could offer stimulating information.

“The questions are so dry that I doubt they would cause anyone to suddenly become interested in government,” Hettle said.

The bill was approved 38-12 by Iowa senators and was sent to the House. If the bill is approved by the House, students should expect the bill to take effect for school years beginning July 1, 2019. However, a parallel House bill failed to move forward in earlier legislative hearings.

By Staff Writer Sophia

SCHILLINGER

gun violence.

Harmsen said, “I enjoy video games myself, but as with any activity or hobby, too much is never a good thing, so, for a variety of reasons, it’s necessary to not overdue the gaming time. I’m just not sure ‘They might make you become a mass shooter’ is one of them.”

By Editor-in-Chief Sabine

MARTIN

The

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FEATURES

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Student art featured for display at Veridian Friday, March 9, 2018

14 CFHS artists’ works join those from three other Valley high schools Veridian Credit Unions throughout Iowa have partnered with local high schools to showcase original artwork at the annual ArtShare Premiere.

The program, which launched in 2002, allows high school artists of varying mediums to have their work exhibited at one of Veridian’s locations in Coralville, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Waverly and Ankeny.

On March 5, artwork from students from Cedar Falls High School, Columbus Catholic High School, Waterloo East High School and Waterloo West High School was unveiled at the Waterloo location. The artwork will remain at Veridian for the next year on display for customers as well as the public.

Cedar Falls High School had 14 artists selected for the premiere, including Tyler Ausborn, Emerald Barnes-Seger, Samuel Dickey, Joseph Dunning, Marissa Francis, Lexie Godfrey, Sofia Muñoz, Andrew Nickey, Claire Sanderman, Maddie Schmidt, Lizzie Shockley, Demir Tuken, David Verastegui and Lexie Zaugg.

The selection process for the showcase was headed by art department heads Lisa Klenske and Emily Olson.

“Ms. Klenske and I try to choose a wide variety of work so we have different media and projects representing all that we offer at Cedar Falls High School,” Olson said.

Art projects from CFHS students included a variety of mediums, from graphic art to sculpture to watercolor to marker pieces.

“We try to take into account who is a senior and if students are going to be able to have another opportunity to make something next year to be able to have work available to display the following year,” Olson said. “Ultimately, we choose student work that is at the top of their class, whether that is done through technique, design, or meaning behind the work.”

Schmidt had a ceramic piece selected for the show, constructed from coils and and squares to construct a spiral effect.

“This was my first clay project in years. I had the perfect idea in my head, but it took

me about a week to come up with a plan to have it look how I wanted. Drawing is my favorite medium, so working with clay definitely posed a challenge,” Schmidt said.

“I'm looking forward to having my name in the community and being recognized for something I'm passionate about.”

Schmidt shares the excitement with her fellow featured artists, including sophomore Muñoz, who had a group of portraits of her grandmother selected to be hung for the next year at the Credit Union.

“I was taken aback and honored,” Muñoz said of learning she was selected. “I would have never imagined being selected for something like that.”

“Being able to go to the bank and see some of the most creative pieces I've seen is quite an experience. You don't go to the bank expecting to stay there for 20 minutes just looking around. Seeing the creative, talented artists we have in this town is quite something,” Muñoz said.

Other mediums by CFHS artists include Dunning’s graphic art; Nickey’s portrait of Edgar Allen Poe, which includes a variety of mediums from markers, India ink and colored pencil; and Sanderman’s watercolor painting of her house, which was painted on special Yupo watercolor paper, a plastic-like paper which can be challenging to work with given its structure.

“The piece is different from others because of the yupo paper. This kind of paper doesn’t absorb any water. It just sits on top and dries, so having that kind of paper was definitely a challenge because if your hand accidentally smudges it, it’s very hard to fix,” Sanderman said. “I look forward to seeing my piece and my classmates’ pieces displayed at Veridian, and I also look forward to keep improving my art skills and continuing to create.”

The art created by all students will be on display at Veridian Credit Union’s Ansborough Avenue location, where it is available to be viewed by the public for the next year.

By Editor-in-Chief Elise

LEASURE

Submitted Photos

Claire Sanderman’s watercolor of her house painted on Yupo paper and Andrew Nickey’s portrait of Edgar Allen Poe, which includes a variety of mediums from markers, India ink and colored pencil, are just two of the works from students across the Cedar Valley on display at the Veridian Credit Union on Ansborough Avenue.

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OPINION

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HI-LINE

Friday, March 9, 2018

Iowa’s state, county parks have much to explore

As spring break rolls around and summer is soon to follow, it might be hard coming up with a place to visit and explore, yet, with just a bit of driving and patience, you could find yourself at one of the many beautiful Iowa state parks.

Since there are quite a few of them, here are some suggestions to get you started.

By Staff Writer Skylar

PROMER

Thunder Woman County Park

IOWA NICE

Teens should reconsider fleeing top ranked state According to U.S. News and World Reports “Best “ States” ranking, Iowa was recently earned the number one state based on infrastructure, health care, education and quality of life. Despite ” this, millennials still seem to want to leave Iowa at the soonest possible moment, without realizing the things Iowa has to offer.

Sure, Iowa may not be the most exciting place to live, with rows of corn lining each major highway and rolling hills that seem to go on forever. However, Iowa has many great things to offer in the terms of education. With three major public universities, each offering a wide array of majors, plus an extensive community college system, students have many higher education opportunities after high school to continue in their career paths.

Iowa is No. 1 in terms of the graduation rate for public high schools and is No. 3 for the graduation rate for four-year public colleges. Those scores helped the state rank No. 5 for education overall.

The next time you think about how small Iowa may seem, think of how the rest of the country views us. No other state has people that smile and wave at you when you are driving.

No other state carves butter cows. No other state can be as small, but as mighty as Iowa is.

As one of Raygun’s famous T-shirt slogans goes, “Iowa: 75% vowels, 100% awesome.”

No other state can be as small, but as mighty as Iowa is.

A bit closer to home, Thunder Woman would be a great place to check out. Just a short drive to Janesville, and you’ll be met with this beautiful county park. Though the river has been a bit higher than usual, it’s still a great place to check out and enjoy. Even if you were to just to start tubing from this area, it would still allow you to see the beauty of nature as you pass through this park. Or you can take a hike through the woods on the other side of the bridge, though you might want to be careful during hunting season for bow hunters are allowed.

George Wyth State Park

Though most are familiar with this state park, it is still worth mentioning.

A variety of watersports are able to take place due to the park’s large lake. Kayaking, swimming and boating are just a few of the many water sports you can take part in here. Take a walk around, have a picnic or just sit there and enjoy the wonders of nature. There’s plenty you can do here.

Not only that, but you can camp here as well. With just a short drive, it’s easy as ever to get out there and enjoy nature.

Backbone State Park

With a drive of only about one hour, you’ll be having fun in no time.

This state park has a plethora of different trails, rivers and streams to explore. Follow a hiking trail through the forest and enjoy everything that nature has to give. If hiking isn’t your thing, why not take a picnic in the lush grass that grows around the old fishing hatchery? Fishing, swimming, tubing, kayaking, hiking, picnics — you can do it all. You could even take a step further and rent a cabin to stay in for the weekend.

Maquoketa Caves State Park

The drive to this state park is a bit on the longer side, taking up to about two hours, but if exploring caves sounds fun, then the drive might just be worth it for you. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight because it gets dark in there. You may also want to wear some warmer clothing since the temperature in the caves drops quite a bit. The Maquoketa Caves are home to thousands of bats, but this is their home, so be careful not to disturb them.

Besides keeping a lookout for bats, your adventure should be fun-filled to the very end.

Are you staying in Iowa after graduation?

By Staff Writer Kendall

Contact Us The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes at Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613.

Our website is www.hiline.cfschools.org. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Fridays to read during their third period classes.

Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hi-Line staff or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial is presented weekly in the editorial labeled Our View, and it is the view of the majority of the editors listed below. Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to The Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Monday for publication in the following Friday edition. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Writers should include their contact information for verification.

Editors-in-Chief: Elise Leasure, Rachel Schmid, Sabine Martin Lead Writer: Tehya Tournier Opinion Editor: Benjamin Boezinger Staff: Saba Aydiner, Noah Forker, Chase Kline, Kendall Maslak, Sierra Miller, Skylar Promer, Sophia Schillinger, Matthew Walsh

MASLAK

”I will stay in the Cedar Valley.”

—Xavier Adams Sophomore

“Yes, I’m going to stay in Iowa and go to Hawkeye.”

—Mikayla Penning Senior

“Yes, I’m going to Hawkeye.”

—Shawna Simons Senior