Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Growing Use of Technology in Society Today By Neha Singh Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by GoodCore Are you becoming more dependent on your devices, just like most people in our society today? Do you find technology more helpful? Has artificial intelligence actually made your life easier? Do you use facial recognition instead of remembering your passwords? Are driverless cars the future you want? Although technology is really useful and helps us in our daily lives, is that a positive thing? Using facial recognition instead of remembering passwords is easier and more convenient but it decreases a person’s memory capacity. Before the advent of our advanced technology, we used to be able to memorize most passwords, but now most people can’t even remember their email passwords. Technology has affected mostly everyone but especially teenagers since they typically use new technology faster and more than adults do. However, do you know about the plus sides of technology in society? Artificial intelligence is now being used in medicine and medicinal research. With complex computer algorithms, computer chip implants can be used to advance people’s cognitive skills. With gene editing, we’re able to reduce the serious risks or development of health conditions in babies. Additionally, with robot exoskeletons, we can increase people’s muscular strength for lifting in manual labor jobs with built-in artificial intelligence systems. Is this really best for our society? Many people have different opinions about where technology should be used. Should we depend heavily on technology in the medical field as well? Or should it only remain for our entertainment, communication, and other daily life tasks? According to a Pew Research Center poll, 46% of United States adults think facial recognition technology is good for society, whereas 56% of United States adults think computer chip implants are bad for society. In the same poll, 30% of United States adults think gene editing is good for society and 30% think it is bad for society, whereas 42% of United States adults are unsure whether robotic exoskeleton is good or bad for society. Could this be due to a lack of knowledge regarding technology among the general population? Artificial intelligence is a fairly new concept in society, and we still don’t know everything about it. Although it is controlled by different computer algorithms, there isn’t always someone monitoring the technology, so anything could go wrong at any given moment. Technology is not 100% reliable, and this can be seen in our everyday lives. How many times has your phone died when you needed it? Or did your computer crash? Or do you have no service? Or the program or application you’re using is taking too long to respond? Although artificial intelligence is different and works through computer algorithms, crashes or hacks can still happen, so is technology really that good for our society today? BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Holiday Baking By Carolina Figueroa Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Image provided by American Heritage Cooking It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The smells, tastes, and the merriment of holiday baking always adds to the joyous festivities of the season. Baking festive cookies, spiced fruitcakes, decorated bars, gingerbread loaves, meringue swirls and themed iced cupcakes are just some of the delicious flavors that make the holidays even sweeter! Baking with family and friends creates wonderful lifelong memories that will last throughout the years. While baking, you can also make the event extra special by playing holiday music, wearing festive aprons, drinking eggnog or hot chocolate, singing, and spending quality time with your family and friends. My favorite holiday baking standout is making Linzer cookies with my Grandma. Here is the recipe we use for these delicious buttery, confectioners’ sugar-dusted, jam-packed cookies that are a big hit every year. You won’t be disappointed, as you and your family should celebrate the holidays while having some annual traditional baking fun! Linzer Cookie Ingredients : 9 oz. sifted flour (250g) 4 ½ oz. sugar (125g) 6 ½ oz. butter (185g) – cut into small pieces 4 egg yolks 1 tsp vanilla extract Directions: Knead all ingredients quickly onto a wooden board to make a firm cookie dough. Put dough into a plastic bag and chill dough in refrigerator for 1 hour. Take out of refrigerator. Roll dough out with a rolling pin onto lightly floured wooden board. Use a large round cookie cutter to make 24 whole round cookies and also 24 large round cookies with a small thimble circle cut out in the center. Bake in the oven on center rack for 11-12 minutes at a temperature of 350 F (180 C). Cool on wire rack. Once completely cooled, spread seedless red raspberry jam (we use Smucker’s brand) onto the whole round cookies. Use confectioner’s sugar to dust round cookies with thimble circle cut out in the center. Place dusted round cookie on top of whole round cookie with the jam to finish. Store cookies in a tin box. Enjoy! We naturally find comfort in indulgent baked goods that allow us to relive and recreate fond memories with our family and friends in the form of certain flavors and ingredients. It’s these holiday baking aromas and tastes that always bring us back home again! Happy Baking! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Just Dance! By Ismaela Andre Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Image provided by Ubisoft Have you heard of Just Dance ? This is a kid-friendly video game that you can use to dance with family and friends. There are many editions to choose from since a new version is released each year. Each version comes with about 40 different tracks with the hottest songs at the time of their release. With the new Just Dance Unlimited service, though, you can gain access to hundreds of songs from the existing Just Dance catalogue! Just Dance Unlimited is a monthly/yearly plan that gives you access to the newest and old songs of Just Dance . The product is available on all latest game consoles, as well as the PS4 and Xbox One. This product is rated E for Everyone and can be bought on Amazon, the J ust Dance website, or on your console. Now go and have fun dancing with family and friends! (Visit https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/just-dance/2021 to learn more) BACK TO TOP

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Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Pi — It’s Waaaay More Than You Think! By Elyas Layachi Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Image provided by New Atlas Introduction March 14th of every year is the date all mathematicians and math-lovers yearn for: Pi Day. Its name comes from the number its date creates: 3.14, the first three digits of the mathematical constant pi. It’s an endless number, and while we use pi in our math classes, do we really know what the number is, its origin, and its uses in the real world? After reading this article, you will know everything there is to love about pi, in addition to a few fun facts! Brief History of Pi British mathematician William Jones is responsible for giving the value pi a Greek symbol, but the actual number comes from centuries of secular thought and experimentation. According to exploratorium.edu, the number has been around for almost 4000 years, with the ancient Babylonians (1900 – 1680 BC) being the first to try to find pi’s value. They calculate the area of a circle by taking three times the square of its radius, which gave pi a value of 3, but they approximated it to 3.125. In the same period, the ancient Egyptians found the area of a circle using a formula and produced 3.1605 for their pi value. However, it wasn’t until Archimedes of Syracuse that pi was accurately calculated. He was one of the greatest mathematicians of the ancient world, and, simply put, he used the Pythagorean Theorem (a^2 + b^2 = c^2) to find the area of a circle and the value of pi. Although he did not find the exact value of pi, he knew he was close, and produced a value between 3 and 1/7th and 3 and 10/71. Today, Syracuse is known as the creator of pi. Pi Uses Today What an interesting history! It’s crazy to think that it took the world’s most renowned mathematicians and minds, along with centuries of thought, to produce merely an approximation of the real value of pi. You may ask, what’s the importance of all this? I’m never going to need pi in my life, so why is it such an important number? Well, depending on what profession you’re thinking of pursuing, you will most likely need pi. Astronomers need pi for estimating the sizes of planets, architects and construction workers need pi to design buildings, pi was used to calculate the size of your car wheels, and even plumbers need pi form piping and tubing! Furthermore, sports manufacturers need pi to determine the amount of material needed to make a basketball or soccer ball. Anything that involves circles, cones, spheres, and cylinders needs pi. Fun Facts about Pi Pi is the most recognized mathematical constant in the world, with scholars considering it “the most important and intriguing number in all of mathematics.”1 Since the exact value of pi can never be calculated, we can never find the accurate area or circumference of a circle.2 Since pi is an irrational value, computers have been used to calculate it to more than 22 trillion digits!3 Conclusion I hope you guys learned something new about pi! I sure did, just from doing research for this article! So the next time you see pi on a math test or in class, take a second to appreciate the value of the number, the centuries it took for its value to be discovered, and its many uses in society. Happy Pi Day! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Art Guild Back to Sections Art Guild- Chamille Malcolm Chamille Malcolm November 6, 2023 Mixed Media Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Toxicity of Social Media Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching It is no mystery that we are living in a world full of technology, with unlimited access to millions of websites and apps that have shaped our world over the past few decades. With the rise of the internet, social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have also gained popularity among millions of users. Young teens are the most active on these apps and are heavily influenced by what they see online whether posted by their peers or strangers. Regardless of age or maturity, it is crucial to understand the numerous effects of creating a social media account. While social media can be beneficial in numerous ways with entertainment and staying connected to others, it can also encourage cyberbullying, create unsafe environments, and may be addictive. According to the Oxford Dictionary, cyberbullying is “the use of information technology to bully a person by sending or posting text or images of an intimidating or threatening nature.” Bullying has always been prevalent in schools and workplaces, but it can now occur through your computer screen or cellphone. The reason cyberbullying is so common is because it can be done at anytime, anywhere, and to anyone (Peebles 1). With anonymous users and no supervision, online bullying makes for an easy form of harassment. Like traditional bullying, racial discrimination, gender bias, or differences in religion are the most popular causes of taunting online. Victims of cyberbullying often face self-esteem issues, mental health struggles, and even thoughts of hurting themselves or others. While telling a trusted adult or blocking their bully is best to resolve these issues, many kids feel ashamed to do so. Additionally, some may even feel that telling a parent or guardian may risk getting their online privileges taken away. However, safety is the most important priority, and reaching out for help, not engaging with the bully, and saving evidence are the best ways to address it. One of the primary concerns regarding social media is the issue of privacy. Users often share personal information, photos, and updates without fully considering the consequences. This oversharing can leave many people vulnerable to identity theft, online scams, and even real-life threats such as stalking. The ease with which personal information can be accessed and exploited on social media platforms underscores the importance of being cautious about what we share online. It is important to have strong passwords, avoid clicking on random links, and be wary of phone calls from unrecognizable numbers (FDIC 1). Another significant challenge posed by social media is the spread of misinformation and fake news. With the rise of algorithm-driven content, false information can quickly go viral and influence public opinion. This not only erodes trust in traditional media sources but also undermines critical thinking and informed decision-making. The prevalence of misinformation on social media can create a climate of confusion and distrust, compromising the quality of public discourse. It is best to get your news from sources that have a long-standing reputation for accurate and reliable coverage. Furthermore, the culture of comparison and validation driving social media can have detrimental effects on users' mental health. The pressure to present an idealized version of one's life online can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even anxiety or depression. The constant exposure to curated images of success, beauty, and happiness can distort perceptions of reality and contribute to a sense of disconnection and isolation among users. Body image issues are prevalent among impressionable teens which often results in eating disorders that can be detrimental both physically and mentally. It is important to avoid measuring up to unrealistic standards and to understand that social media often portrays a curated version of people’s lives. Social media addiction is a topic that has caused much concern for as long as it has been around. It refers to the excessive and compulsive use of social media apps that can have negative effects on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Internet addiction can have a variety of causes, including the fear of missing out, boredom, and the stream of social connections (Jelinek). With constant notifications, texts, and features such as likes, users can stay engaged as it triggers a sense of pleasure and reward. Additionally, social media has become a center for communication and popular trends which further encourages users to urgently stay connected and be “part of the crowd.” Besides spending excessive amounts of time on social media there are numerous other signs of addiction. For instance, neglecting face-to-face interactions, feeling irritable without social media, and experiencing a seemingly uncontrollable decline in productivity are signs of addiction. Limiting screen time and setting boundaries can solve these issues while also finding new activities that bring satisfaction. With balance, social media can have numerous benefits. For instance, it allows connection between friends and family especially if they may live far away. We can easily share our thoughts, experiences, and photos with others, fostering a sense of community. With a platform for self-expression, creativity, and discovering new interests, it is easy to be inspired by the actions of others. Whether it is staying informed about current events, finding resources about various topics, or connecting with a community to find support, a healthy balance in using social media can enhance our lives. All in all, there are numerous factors to understand and acknowledge about social media. It is necessary to prioritize safety, mental health, and moderation when using the internet as it can quickly become a toxic environment. Struggles with navigating the online world are common, however, there are always solutions to overcome and improve social media safety. With balance, the internet can be an exciting place for entertainment and information. Sources: FDIC: Avoiding Scams and Scammers Is there a link between social media and depression? ( medicalnewstoday.com ) Bullying | Crisis Text Line BACK TO TOP

Ekin Pinar ADVICE COLUMNIST Hi readers! I’m Ekin Pinar, I’m the Advice columnist for North Star. I love lending a helping hand to those who need it. I like to read and watch shows in my free time. My favorite movie ever is the Phantom of the Opera . Highschool can be stressful with sports, drama, and the demands of everyday life. If you need advice on something but you’re scared that people will judge you, don’t worry, you can submit your worries through a completely anonymous form. Introductory - Ekin Pinar Ekin Pinar Advice Read More

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Recycled Percussion Project By Quinn O’Connor Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Original creations by (from left to right, top to bottom) Harleen Kaur, Alicia Pichardo, Marcia Salinas, Giuliana Basile, Gianna Acevedo In lieu of our usual concert, teachers used their general music class lesson plans for the choral concert grade: a recycled percussion project! For this project, students put together an eight-measure composition with four beats per measure to play on a home-made instrument. These instruments ranged from Tupperware drums to water bottle maracas; one student went as far as making a xylophone from a wooden frame and metal pipes! Students observed how different pitches and tones could be created by using different materials and experimented accordingly. For example, coffee beans have a deeper sound than rice. It was also interesting to hear how distinctive each instrument sounded with the use of different materials as students played their instruments on each Teams meeting. Although it wasn’t the same as an actual concert, it stood in for one as a fun, creative alternative. From a hybrid student’s point of view, this project filled its purpose in a fun and educational way! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections COVID-19 Crisis in India By Matteo Somma Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 No Image available at this time Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic each person was impacted, some worse than others. One country, India, has been hit hard. From when the COVID-19 outbreak first started gaining infamous popularity, India was getting slammed with cases. As we surpass the one-year mark of the virus, India once again is increasing on daily cases rapidly. Death rates and reported COVID-19 cases have been rapidly increasing for the past few weeks in India, breaking massive global records and setting the COVID-19 death count to 3.41 million. One explanation for the recent activity with COVID-19 in India is that its total population is ranked the second largest, after China. With over 1,340,330,000 people residing in the country, India takes up 17.7 percent of the total world population. With COVID-19 being a highly infectious and contagious disease, the overpopulated cities and towns of India make it extremely easy for the disease to spread. Many hospitals are denying care to patients, both COVID-related and non-COVID-related. Another factor contributing to the crisis is the lack of resources. Hospitalization numbers during the peak of the pandemic also greatly increased. Because COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, medical device such as respirators and oxygen tanks are needed. Since India is a developing country, supplies and workers are limited leading many to increasingly die from the disease. India is also financially unsteady at times meaning they cannot buy the supplies they lack; healthcare workers are underpaid (which is causing many to go on strike), and the government can’t do anything about it. As you may see, even though the whole world has been impacted by COVID-19, other countries like India are suffering the worst. With no feasible fix to their problem, it is estimated for India to continue suffering for many more days, weeks, months, or even years to come. BACK TO TOP