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

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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.

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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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French Club The French classes are enriched by the outside activity, Le Cercle Francais, which meets every two weeks in the Student Center. Interesting talks on subjects pertaining to France are given, and French musical numbers are enjoyed. Twice a year the club presents a short play in French. Techis Spanish pupils now meet in twenty-four classes, ranging from Spanish I to Spanish YIII. The work in the first four semesters covers the func- tional grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary ot the language, while the work in Spanish V to VIII, teaches the pupils to read and to speak Spanish ilu- ently, and to know something ot the country itself. They also become well acquainted with the his- tory and customs of Spanish-speaking countries in South Zlllil Cengal America, ,since in the tuturc closer connections with these countries is believed to be the aim ot the lfnited States. The main extra-curricular activity of this de- partment is the Spanish Club which has a member- ship ot about forty pupils. This group meets every Thursdaxv afternoon. Especially interesting pro- grams are presented, featuring talks on Spain or on some Spanish-speaking country. Songs are sung in - 1- 1. Spanish, Spanish music is played, Spanish holidays are discussed, an-d occasionally the members are en- tertained by Spanish dances. The German department has an enrollment of one hundred forty pupils. In the first two semesters of German pupils are taught the fundamentals of the language: how to read German script, how to Write it, how to pronounce and to spell German words, and how to write grammatically correct. They also learn much of the customs and history of Germany in their work, and pay especial attention to the present political situation in Germany. The last two semesters pupils are afforded the oppo1'tunity to apply what they have learned by translating such books of the German writers as Hillern's uI'I06l181' Als Die Iiircliew, Wildenhruclfs 'fDas Edle Blutv, Schiller's lVilhelm Tellv, and Stornfs Nlmmenseef' Pupils in the German classes atlech correspond with the pupils enrolled in English classes in Ger- many, and many interesting letters have been ex- changed. The German Club, Der Deutsche Yerein, is oi'- ganized to acquaint its members with the romance of German history and the customs of the people to show them something of the beauty of the musical compositions of Goethe and Schiller. Modern Language spanish Club Department .v-5. 13 THE ARSENAL CANNON avfd