Binghamton North High School - Wampum Yearbook (Binghamton, NY)

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solve a problem is the failure to un- derstand its elements! The contribu- tions of machine shops to the defense industries is very direct, obvious and specific. There my be some question as to the value of art courses in this time of war. What are we fighting for unless it is to maintain our democra- tic way of life which certainly em- ploys art in every field? Without art there would be nothing worthwhile living, fighting for. Putting beauty into the simplest things goes to make up the large, more beautiful things of this world. The unity of one Axis nation to- day may be based on the fact that all of its people are educated in a book manner and can create to their heart's content. They apply beauty to their lives, and, consequently, they are proving better foes than we ever expected. Another belligerent nation stowed her intellect and made mili- tary puppets out of her people so that they have little reason for cher- ishing anything except the destruc- tion of human life. Of the two, the one without beauty is breaking with- in itself and will soon deteriorate. Its leader, realizing this, frantically transported art from conquered na- tions but it was too late to inject beauty into the mind of trained can- nibals. Development of one's skills en- ables one to earn a living. The grow- ing American citizen wants education as a means of intellectual growth which will fit him for a life among people - civilized, humane, under- standing people. In addition to the subjects already mentioned there are many others such as English, history, language, and homemaking courses which do their obvious part for the American Way-The Right Way.

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dents in the A classes have volun- tarily spent approximately 90 hours outside of school hours doing typing and other office work in Red Cross and CVD offices. Today the war has created a greater need for capable typists and secretarial Workers in ex- panding war industries, in Govern- ment offices and the armed forces. The Science Department con- tributes much to the American Way of life in times of peace or war. The scientists learn the prime necessity of order. Moreover, science gives to the world chemicals, metals, and machines, information needed about weather conditions, and the essential new materials such as Nylon, plastics, synthetic rubber, dyes, etc. Another important feature of science training is that it encourages the pupil to doubt a statement heard or seen until it is supported by proofg a good test for malicious propaganda. The Industrial Department is con- cerned chiefly With developing skills, both mental and physical that will contribute to making a living. The materials, processes and class pro- cedure of the department brings trainees face to face with concrete problems of increasing difliculty and importance. This provides an ideal learning situation in which the pupil may understand all the elements at hand before trying for the solution. Too often the reason for failure to

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Right: History forms a basis tor lllf,Pl'1ll'9llllg' the events of to- day. Newspapers are analyzed to discover news and propaganda. Maps locate important events. ,if Q cgi ,Q X if a 4 V s e iL5gg'2e-t , 1 tu f:::: s 5 R Mtg' 12 .., f me fm-....... monvwungsu vw nlwmqwf was unfit, fwbwnif Left: W'0rld events are ini- portant. Mathematics is an essen- tial for modern living. History is being made daily. Below: At the adding niachine. duplicating material, typing from dictation. 19