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

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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

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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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A half year of woodwork for the seventh and eighth grade student is a part of the finding course” offered by the school. The newest course to be offered in this department for the senior high school boy having one year or more of woodwork is that of the production class. In this class regular mass production methods are employed, thus teaching the worker factory meth- ods. The class this year has completed twenty-five sets of lawn furniture and made numerous individual pieces. End tables are the most popular projects of the junior high sclxxil manual student. Some of the other projects made are porch swings, medicine cabinets, occasional tables, overstuffed f x tstools, table lamps, writing desks, chifforobes, pier cabinets and sewing cabinets. A distinctively new type of construction was brought about by the building of two outboard motor boats, one a sixteen-foot pleasure craft, the other an eleven-and-a half foot speed boat. Latin The study of Latin aims: To give the student a wider view of life through famil- iarity with a great civilization; to lay a good foundation for the study of English and the modern languages; to enrich the English vocabulary. Although Latin, as a language, is not now spoken by any people, it lives in and through many of our words. More than two-thirds of our own words arc derived from the Latin. Many phrases and words have been carried into English directly from the Latin and are still preserved in their original forms, such as habeas corpus, menus, post mortem, pallor, exit, stadium, vacuum, quorum, data, orator and minor. Latin is regarded as essential for students of medicine and law, as many of the terms used in these professions are Latin. The students of science and business will find Latin equally helpful. Many names of articles and commodities on the market have taken their names from Latin words. One is really talking Latin when speaking of Duco paint, Lux soap, Premier salad dressing. Aqua Velva shaving cream, a Corona typewriter, or perhaps a Duofold fountain pen, or Rcxall drugs. In the study of a great civilization like that of the Romans, the student learns many interesting facts which give him a broader and a more intelligent view of life. It is rather enlightening to know that the Romans lived in apartment houses, had water heaters in their homes, built huge aqueducts carrying water for many miles, and made cement like that of the present. For the student who cares, Latin is splendid training. Art Someone has said that art is an expression of man's inherent dream for beauty, and most of us will not question the validity of this statement. Yet for years the study of art was thought to be un- important for the majority of students, and it is comparatively recent that a practical art program for the schools has been given thoughtful considera- tion. The new trend concentrates on individual de- velopment through the study of art principles, many of which are universal in their application. Since art is so closely allied with other school subjects, it is today regarded as a necessary part of the sch x I curriculum . The aim of a practical art program for the high sch x)ls is two fold: To discover and encourage the student with talent and to develop in each member of the class discriminating, selective judgment. The course is arranged in two groups to include both history and theory of art, which acquaint the student with a few artists and their outstanding productions and give opportunity for creative self-expression through the application of the basic principles of art. Twenty-seven