Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies - Excalibur Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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Mhai is this odd looking thing? — Daron Swiley, Raffi Christianian. and Byron Devers explore what is called a solar time piece on a field trip with their chemistry class to the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles. Physics lab — Seniors Loyd Calomay and Ian Bratslavsky diligently work on a thermal heat exchange lab in Mr. Jones ' first period Physics class. The lab taught physics students the heat ca- pacity of metals, such as copper and aluminum. Take a look! — Kevin Wright, a tenth grader in Mr. McDonald ' s first period Life Science, views a sample of vinea- gar eels through one of the schools new microscopes. Having a little trouble fo- cusing on the sample. Mr. McDonald helps Kevin focus on the vineager. Hey, check out the crystal structure! — Seniors Jung Lee and Sherry Ino work on a physics lab on the topic of crystal structures, and the habits of chemicals with crystal structures. After viewing the subjects, both had to produce a drawing of the crystals. Q Projects OO Academics

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li sfR 1 Extra studying is beneficial M A p. English, govern- ment, calculus, and • honors biology, American literature, and U.S. history classes require extra studying from students. These classes are for individuals who ' s desire to learn is greater than the average student. Advanced placement honors courses are devised to parallel classes stu- dents will be subjected to in col- lege. These extra study classes emphasize on study skills, re- search, thought and reasoning. Each class demands that a large portion of time be donated to studying. I spend almost all my free time studying, said Sandra Nova, senior. Besides acquiring greater knowledge, these classes have other benefits. Upon comple- tion of an A. P. class, students are eligible to take an A. P. exam supplementary to the course of chosen study. Should the student be notified of pass- ing the exam with a score of ' • spend almost all my free time studying % • three or higher, college credit may be granted to that student. I am taking A. P. classes so that I can eliminate some courses at university, said Bell Liwanag, senior. Although the Academic De- cathlon class will not enable a student to omit certain courses at college, it enhances the mind and allows the power of thought to prevail. This class, like A. P. classes, helps students improve their study skills. Unlike A. P. classes Decathlon does not con- centrate purely on one subject, but incorporates ten different fields of study. Students are tested on their knowledge in these areas. Individual ' s scores are compiled to form a team score. Therefore it ' s imperative that students be well prepared. Extra studying is definitely nec- essary. Dedicated students studied at lunch, after school, at home, and week ends. All my time was devoted to studying while I was preparing for the Decathlon, said Sandy Jaffa, senior. Dr. Petty. Ellen ' s on the grass! — When one has an exam on late ISth century i.S. literature in one ' s Honors English class next period, il seems that obligations to rules fly out the window. Junior. Ellen Oconer. defiantly sits on the forbidden grass to study for a difficult exam. But obviously our administrators are quite empalhelic and will consider extenuating circum- stances. f Extra Study Classes q Academics 0«

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Science: a new way of learning A C A D E M I Biology, chemistry, and physics are courses a student should take if the plan to attend a four year college. But with these classes come extremely hard work and responsibility. I am currently in biology, and the reason I took the class is because 1 was told that it was required for college. I learn a lot of new things, but you have to pay attention or else it ' s easy to fall behind, 10th grader Ken- drick Jason said. Labs play a very big role in the everyday routine of the classes. Two to three labs are usually assigned for each chap- ter. In biology the lab usually consist of assembling a paper model, and answering the ques- tions that apply to the model. In chemistry and physics the labs are more complex where the students work with different mixtures, and answer the ques- tions that apply to the mixtures. 44 Labs take the place for doing projects and they teach you just the same A A The labs are the most learn- ing and interesting to me. You get a better understanding when the material is laid out in front of you. Also when you do the labs and understand them it helps you when the test comes, 10th grader Dennard Jackson said. Projects are assigned and the students are usually given one to two months to complete them. A presentation and oral report is also required with the completion of the project. Labs take the place for do- ing projects. They may not be as long as projects but they teach you just the same, 1 0th grader Taminika Williams said. After obtaining all of this knowledge given by these classes, a college bound student will be ready for what the next step brings. Learning is so fascinating — Tanisha Walls, lenlh grader, Devon Pendergrast. lenlh grader and Kimberly Price, also a tenth grader, explore I he gianl aquarium in Mr. McDonald ' s first period Life Science class. The aquarium consists of different types of fish that the students use lo learn more about aquatic creatures. Some students don ' t like getting close to the aquarium, but Devon doesn ' t mind. Projects Q Academics O