Strong Vincent High School - Spokesman Yearbook (Erie, PA)

Page 29 text:

atmospheric conditions are taught in classes under Miss Burke or Mr. Shanor. . When the student first enters the chemistry class he steps in to a new world. In chemistry he gets his first view into the more advanced fields of science. In the laboratory under the super- vision of either Mr. Armagost or Mr. Blake he will decompose compounds or make them. In Physics the pupils learn by actual experimentation about the laws and forces that govern the universe. This department is ably headed by Mr. Shanor. Physics and chemistry are open only to juniors and seniors. Senior science, a subject recently added to our curriculum, was created for the benefit of those who do not plan to attend college. In this course the pupils learn to apply the prin- ciples of science to every day life. They become interested in science because of the benefit which they, as consumers, can derive from their know- ledge of it. Senior science students are fortunate in having Mr. Armagost as their instructor. Social Science livery year more and more emphasis is being placed on the social sciences. There are probably more students in this field than in any other with the exception of English. It is our duty as citizens of the United States to understand its problems and the laws by which it is run. The courses offered in this held include civics, world history, United States history, problems of democracy, and economics. Civics gives the pupil a general knowledge of our national and local governments, and the problems that arise in our nation. World history gives the student a knowledge of European affairs and the bearing that they have had upon the growth of our nation. In United States history the pupil studies the history of our country from its earliest be- ginning to the present day. He also learns of the manner in which the government is conducted. All the problems that a democratic nation faces are brought to his attention when he studies problems of democracy. In econcmics he studies financial problems and acquires a knowledge of the business world. All the instructors in this field are rendering an invaluable service to their community and to their country by preparing the students for their future positions as citizens. The junior high history classes are under the guidance of Miss McCarthy and Mr. Weibelg Miss Foust is the competent instructor of the civics classes. The world history classes are taught by Mr. Wallace, Miss Foust, Miss Quirk, and Miss Sourwineg and the United States history classes are taught by Miss Evans, Mr. McCarthy, Miss Peters, and Mr. Pratt. The classes in problems of democracy are instructed by Mr. Wallace and Mr. Gustavsong Mr. Gustavson also teaches the economics classes. ient in chemistry P. O. D. class preparing for the Pitt Forum. Twen l y- five .L

Page 28 text:

IM. Mathematics Strong Vincent offers wonderful opportunities to the student who is mathematically inclined. The instructors in this field are well fitted for their positions and the pupils have modern and efficient text books to aid them in their studies. Vincent students are very fortunate in being able to take courses in advanced mathematics. During the first two years of junior high school the pupil studies a general course in arith- metic under the instruction of Miss Carrick. In the ninth grade Miss Van Natta guides the classes in their study of elementary algebra. In tl1e first year of senior high school the pupil gets a still more advanced view of mathematics when he studies plane geometry with Miss Turner, Miss Cantlon, or Mr. Hughes as his instructor. ln the junior year, he again returns to his study of algebra. Last year our algebra course was lengthened so that Algebra 3, formerly a half year course, now requires a full year for its com- pletion. The subject previously known as Alge- bra at has been incorporated to a certain extent with the present Algebra 3 and fl, and with additional information on higher mathematics has become known as advanced algebra. A choice of this course, solid geometry, and trigonometry is offered in the senior year. After the first year of algebra all classes in that subject are under the instruction of Miss Bryce. Turner teaches the solid geometry classes and Mr. Hughes, the trigonometry classes. The courses in advanced algebra and trig- onometry are very helpful to those students who are preparing to go to college even though neither is a requirement for entrance to most universities. These two subjects are taught only when there is a demand for them among the students. Physical Science What is more wonderful than the thrill that one gets in studying science? Through it all the mysteries of the universe are unfolded before our astonished eyes. Vincent may well be proud of its science department, with its well equipped labora- tories and its competent instructors. The student gets his first taste of science in junior high school Where he studies general science under Mr. Weihel, Mr. Cochrane. or Mr. Blake. In senior high school his studies become more specialized. He has his choice of one or several branches of science, of which biology is usually ll1e first to be taken up, Mrs. Flynn and Mr. Cochrane ably guide these classes in their study of plant and animal life. Physiography is the next of the sciences to be studied. The earth and its construction, the wonders of the universe, and Proxing a theorem: Solid Geometry Performing an expe Twenty-four

Page 30 text:

Industrial Arts Room 122 is where Strong Vincent students become familiar with sucl1 machines as, the jointer and lathe, and the more common tools as, the bit, chisel, plane, and screwdriver. Not only do the shop students know what the tools look like, but they know how to handle them capably and with- out danger to themselves. Here they learn not only how to make things, 'but they obtain a knowledge of their materials-the different woods, varnishes, enamels. Mending a broken chair, filing a saw, or fixing a broken lock is just routine home work to Mr. Groschke's pupils. These boys, along with the other things they can do at home in the way of repairs, are adept at reconditioning furniture. Far from being removed and separate from other departments of the school, the shop division Practice in woodworking. rv Practice in sewing. t works in cooperation with them. A certain number of standard open book cases are being finished each year until every room in the school is supplied. Drafting, the graphic language of industry, is also important to any young man who intends to take part in almost any branch of industrial work because he will be required to read blue-prints. Because he gets experience in making them, his understanding of blue-prints is also an aid to him in shop work. More highly specihed, drafting is a basis and a ground work, and essentially important to anyone intending to studying engineering. These two avocational subjects were designed for boys, but several girls have discovered their advantages. Domestic Science In days of long ago, a true lady had to be accomplished in fine sewingefrom the ladies of the Middle Ages with their embroidery frames, to the modern girl making her own wardrobe. In high schools everywhere today, the sewing depart- ments offer carefully planned courses. ln our own school, Miss Benson capably teaches her classes not only the different stitches, how to cut from a pattern, how to fit clothes, and how to put them together neatly, but they also learn the important fundamentals of design, line, color, and how to recognize good materials in their different weaves, textures, and fabrics. The biggest adventure in cooking is learning to change this art from a doubtful experiment to a science. It is all very well to learn how to make creamy fudge, but to be able, as well, to put to- gether-with successwsome of the basic dishes of a meal is also very important. Along with ex- perience in cooking foods, the student learns the '6do,s and the i'don't's of buying the ingredients. Miss Crowell, head of the cooking department, offers a full and interesting semester. This course is open to boys as well as girls. ln the past year, the cooking classes have been filled to capacity, including many wise lads who foresaw a future need for knowledge of the culinary art. Twenly-sir it t