Arsenal Technical High School - Arsenal Cannon Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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The next semester, the New Physics Shop Building was completed, and the chemistry classes were well provided for. This department now offers two full years of chemistry with the last year being an advanced course. The present nine classes in chemistry enroll two hundred sixty-four pupils. The classes in Chemistry I and H study general elementary chemistry. Classes in Chemistry lll and IV learn about quali- tative and quantitative analysis. These courses are especially helpful to pupils planning to become phar- macists, physicians, or chemical engineers. Physics, first offered in September, 1914, is a science which explains the Why and how of many things, such as the moving picture, radio, automo- bile, telephone, locomotives, electric motors, pianos, pressure cookers, microscopes, and the X-ray. When time permits, such interesting experiments are dem- onstrated as the magic carpet, Tesla coil, perpetual saw, air suspended ball, and looking through iron. This subject is in- tensely interesting for any one who is curious to know why things work as they do. It is part of the preparation for those who expect to become me- chanics, electricians, or engineers of any kind, since it explains the prin- ciples involved in these various fields of work. The regular course is one year in length, but this may be followed with one additional year. Three hundred thirty-six Physiography Chemistry pupils are enrolled in thirteen classes. Physiography, an earth sci- ence, treats of the origin and development of conti- nents, ocean basins, mountains, plains, hills, valleys, waterfalls, and caves. It presents a study of the rocks and minerals of the earth and how and when they were formed. lt explains the phases of the moon eclipses, tides, and changes of seasons. Through an explanation of temperature changes, winds, and rain- fall, it gives 1'easons for climatic conditions and changes of weather forecasting. A knowledge of physiography adds greatly to oneis appreciation of the great outdoors. It is indis- pensable to the civil or mining engineer as well as to the geologist and the astronomer. In October, 1921, physiography was changed to a double-period laboratory science which has the same ranking as the other laboratory sciences. At present, there are two hundred seventeen pupils enrolled in seven classes. Among the first sci- ences offered Was a voca- tional science which did not meet the require- ments for high school graduation and college entrance. Because of its practical applications, physics met the needs of this vocational science and also satis lied the high school science require- ment. It, therefore, was substituted for the voca- tional science and was first offered in Septem- ber, 1911, with a part- time teacher in charge. The Physical Sciences 11 THE ARSENAL CANNON

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The Biological Sciences 10 THE ARSENAL CANNON The Science department, Z0010gY like Tech, began in a modest way. lts first class was one in botany, organized during the spring term of 1911. It recited in the old East Residence, now no longer on the campus. Now, in both the Main Building and in the New Shop Building the Science department has large laboratories for study and lecture rooms where it is possible to have demonstrations and ilius- trated talks. This department includes two sections: the physical and the biological sciences. The first zoology class was taught in the fall ot 1921. This science gives pupils a better idea of both animal and insect lite. They learn something of the technique of dissection and acquire a knowledge of the functions of the organs. This course is of great value to pupils who plan to specialize in medicine. Enrolled in the fourteen classes are four hundred twenty pupils. Five hundred three pupils are enrolled in the seventeen classes in the Botany department. Pu- pils study about the structure and functions of the different kinds of plants and learn to ree- ognize thein when seen in their natural environ- ment. ltlverything is done in a very systematic way. By means ot selt-made seed geriuiuators, pupils watch seeds grow from day to day. They make notebooks in which they have mounted their col- lections of leaves. ln display cabinets in the north C01'l'lLlOl', Nature Study Club Bvlany they have exhibits: nature al- manacs, leaf-books, diagrams of cell structure, various types of algae, cross sections of leaves, diagrams ol' seed struc- ture and ot seed germination, colored drawings of fruits and vegetables, and diagrams ot fertilization. In the spring ot 1919, the Nature Study Club was formed. its membership is open to all pupils interested in nature whether or not they take botany. Here kindred souls who in the love ot Nature hold communion with her visible forms enjoy interesting programs or take long hikes. Tech is most fortunate iu having on her campus an outdoor biology laboratory as well as a shrine for those who love Nature in all her forms-the Nature Preserve. Here Tech boys and girls learn to know at first hand the wealth of beauty provided by the native flowers off their state. This preserve consists of five acres. In this area the Botany department is trying to restore and preserve a large number of the species which constituted the original flora of the Indiana forest. Many of these species are now To date, transplantings have been quite rare. made f r o in seventeen counties in indiana and from seven other states. The gardenv has over two hundred species. Chemistry was not introduced until the first semester of 1921 when three classes were organ- ized to meet in the West Residence. These classes lacked both iaboratories and complete equipment.

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The Latin Department 12 Latin Club Six hundred eighty-three pupils compose thirty classes of the Latin department. During the first four semesters the pupils build the foundations of their knowledge of the Latin language. Grammar, vocabulary, and translations form the basis of their work. They become acquainted with many of the old Roman myths and legends, learn some of the ancient Roman customs and institutions, and be- come familiar with the history of Rome. Fourth- semester Latin pupils translate Julius Caesar's com- mentaries on the Gallic wars. Two classes are open to pupils who have taken Latin IV. One, Latin V and VI, translates the ora- tions and letters of Marcus Tullius Cicero, consul of Rome and called by his fellow-citizens 'Tater Patriaev, the father of his country, because he eX- posed a rival candidate for the consulship who plotted to overthrow the government. The other class, Latin VII and VIII, reads Vergil's immortal epic poem, the 'fAeneid'7, in Latin. This tale of the wanderings of the Trojan hero, Aeneas, is full of adventure and daring, wherein Aeneas sails over the Mediterranean sea, encountering many perils, and finally founding Rome. THE ARSENAL T CANNON German Club Many pupils in the Latin department are mem- bers of the Latin Club, which is organized to promote sociability among the pupils and to enrich their back- ground for the study of Latin. New members are initiated in solemn Latin ritual, and, clad in togas, receive the club colors, purple and gold. The club often presents plays in Latin, plays Latin games, and learns of Roman customs. Club oiiices are Patterned after the ancient Roman government: two consuls for presidents, a scriptor for secretary, aediles for mein- bers of the program committee, and a custos for sergeant-at-arms. The Modern Language department is composed of the French, Spanish, and German language classes, with their extra-curricular activities--their clubs. Enrolled in the nine French classes are two hun- dred iifty-nine pupils. The purpose of the French courses is to present to the pupils in simple form the essentials of French grammar, to give them a reading and a speaking vocabulary, and to teach them how to read, write, and speak the language. It also acquaints the pupils with a knowledge of French customs, history, institutions, and literature.