Argentine High School - Mustang Yearbook (Kansas City, KS)

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Mathematics A knowledge of mathematics is essential in ah most every line of endeavor. Its practical applica- tion cannot be questioned. It is a stepping-stone to the study of science. It is most important in engi- neering, accounting, pharmacy and business practice. Without the aid of mathematics the structure of every bridge and building would be a hazard to life; their safety depends upon the mathematical calcula- tion of strains and stresses. The mathematics department of the Argentine High School is prepared to serve the needs of its pupils. The general course in the seventh and eighth grades leads to either ninth grade algebra or to business arithmetic. Those students who are pre- paring to go into the business world will find the course in business arithmetic very profitable. This course also will benefit those who are planning to enroll in the book- keeping classes. To students who are interested in the sciences, algebra is recommended. For those planning to enter an institution of higher learning, plane geometry, advanced algebra and solid geometry are offered In fact, most universities and colleges require a knowl- edge of geometry as a prerequisite. Many students take the courses in solid geometry and advanced algebra, for they are well aware of the advantage of being well prepared for any career they may choose. The study of mathematic subject matter and technique prepares an individual for better adjustment to a progressive environment and for more efficient functioning as a member of a civilized social order. Dramatics Within recent years only have our high schools given a regular place in the curriculum to the study of dramatics. Formerly, the English classes fur- nished the sole opportunity for a study of the drama. Only those who took part in the schtxil plays re- ceived any training or had any experience as amateur players. Now that a regular period is devoted to this work, many more students than previously have a chance to appear in a public performance, thus acquiring some self-assurance often needed in stand- ing before an audience. A number of one-act plays of a literary type, and one or two of Shakespeare's plays are studied and produced in class. The course also includes a brief study of the history of the drama and a little training in stage make-up. It is the purpose of the course to help the students to overcome self-consciousness, to correct speech difficulties, and, in general, to improve their oral expression and behavior when appearing before a group of people. Several public performances are given during the year, a special effort being made for each student to take part in at least one. A few students who show marked ability arc given more opportunity to develop their talent as a possible profession. T wcnty-flve

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DOMESTIC SCIENCE Since a large number of girls eventually have homes of their own, the course in home making tries to lead the girl to think about and appreciate the problems and responsibilities of the home and also to acquire an understanding of the principles of nutrition for the health of herself and her family. To accomplish this in the best manner possible, the course in home making takes up the following units: Home living, nutrition for the family, hospitality in the home, preparation and serving of food, the family income and its expenditures, the health and home care of the sick, the infant—its care and development, the selection and planning of the house, and vocations for women. Physical Education and Health Will you be happy at forty? You will be if you have a sound mind m a sound body. Surely, you hope so, but the body is a great deal like a savings account. One must put a little money away regularly, not spasmodically, if he would have a neat sum at a future date. These little things that one does now compound themselves yearly for a future detriment or benefit. It is known that a well-known insurance company has found that through the education and application of health teaching to its policy holders, ten years have been added to the expectancy of life, life. The aim of the physical education department is to instill into youth the habit of a moral, moderate and modest life through the par- ticipation in games, sports, gymnastics, rhythm and dancing. Since happiness cannot be bought but must be earned and all worth while things of life come from living in the right way, it is essential that everyone form play habits to keep the body fit throughout life. To learn not just how to live- but how to live with others should be the aim. By building the mind and muscles in ones youth, one can make them serve throughout life. The physical education and health department is striving to do that and hopes that the play habit formed in high school age will aid in keeping the body fit. There is a sport for every student and a student in every sport. Become proficient in just one sport in youth; then spare moments will become an aid to your health and happiness. T wenty-four

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Industrial Arts MECHANICAL DRAWING Mechanical drawing is one of the list of vocational subjects olfered in this high school. The course of study provides mechanical drawing for the seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades. The course also provides one and one-half years of archi- tectural drawing. The range ol work is sufficiently broad to make it very much worth while as a course for boys who will sooner or later find employment along industrial lines. The fact that drafting is recognised as the language of industry makes it neces- sary for practically all to become familiar with the language that is so vital to the great industrial age in which we now live. The knowledge gained in drafting has a decid- edly practical value and an immediate application. AUTO MECHANICS Auto mechanics is a vocational subject planned for juniors and seniors. The pur- pose of this course is to provide practical work in a well-equipped machine shop. It is necessary to include some technical and theoretical knowledge, but, in the main, knowl- edge is acquired by working upon a real automobile in a real shop with real tools and equipment. Through the kindness of patrons, the pupils get a variety of repairs and replace- ment jobs on many makes of automobiles. Some of these are valve grinding and re- seating, replacing pistons and piston rings, bearing scraping, adjustment of brakes, wheel alignment, replacing brake lining, removing carbon, tappet adjustment, taking up bearings, and other general repairs. TRADES INFORMATION Classes in trades information are for only the eighth-grade boys. One period of nine weeks is devoted to each of the following trades: Auto mechanics, sheet metal and building trades. The latter touch carpentry, cement, brick and plumbing. It is not the purpose of these courses to make trained mechanics, but to give such information in the trades listed as the pupil can use as a guide to help direct him in choosing desirable employment in the industries. The boys' greatest insight into indus- trial activities and requirements comes from visits to many industrial plants in greater Kansas City. WOODWORK The industrial arts department offers courses to the seventh and ninth grades in the junior high school and to the three grades of the senior high school. The work is so arranged and so complete that a boy may now make a major in industrial arts. The work in the seventh grade is very elementary, the chief aim of which is to acquaint the boy with tools, terms and woods used in the department. Twenty-six