If you want to learn to love science, meet Donovan Dahl, the multi-talented 7^th grade science teacher at Buhl Middle School, plus Stem teacher, plus Athletic Director. Mr. Dahl is so passionate about science that he has a tattoo of an atom on his leg. He teaches physics and chemistry, subjects that I wouldn’t have associated with middle school. He uses scenarios from Myth Busters, a past popular science entertainment TV show hosted by two special effects experts. The experts conducted tests using large tools and lots of explosions, making them the heroes of middle school students.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) connects four subjects to help students solve problems, build new things, and understand how the world works. The goal of STEM is to teach critical thinking, encourage creativity, and train students for careers in the modern workforce. Buhl Middle School students especially like the 3D printer and enjoy creating their favorites of fidgets and hammerhead sharks.

Buhl Middle School offers cross country, volleyball, and football in the fall and basketball, wrestling, track, and soccer in the winter/spring. Mr. Dahl coordinates with the high school sports to offer a seamless program.

I visited the middle school on a hot Friday afternoon when everyone was escaping as fast as possible except for Mr. Dahl who was in the office joking with staff and a few adoring students. What a blessing to have a teacher like Mr. Dahl!

-Priscilla Martens