Birch Run High School - Panther Tales Yearbook (Birch Run, MI)

Page 16 text:

BIOLOGY AND SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Biology is a lecture and laboratory course in the basic principles of the living world and their practical applications to the affairs of man. The history of some of the more important biological concepts such as evolution, genetics, and a sur- vey of the plant and animal kingdoms ore included. To give the student an under- standing of the operation of the world of life is the prime objective. General Science gives a survey in depth in providing an understanding and over- view of basic science. It helps to meet the needs of students to prepare for the continuation in specialized high school courses and for the responsibilities of well informed citizens. Material from recent investigations in Geo-physics, uses of atomic energy, space exploration, and electronics helps carry the student beyond the limits of learning set in elementary science. Gerald Telgenhof, Charles Martin. James Houck INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT The aims and goals of the Industrial Arts Department include the following: to stress importance of planning and work- ing together, to develop interest in in- dustrial arts fields, to provide for skills and the development of these skills, to introduce techniques of modern industrial materials and processes, to develop habits of neatness, citizenship and safety, and to contribute generally to the aca- demic growth and development of the individual.

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HOMEMAKING DEPARTMENT The Homemaking Department offers a two year program of study. During this time students learn how to be- come more effective family members. Besides practice in the practical skills of homemaking, students receive instruction in personal and social de- velopment, foods and nutrition, child development, clothing and textiles, housing and home furnishings, and home management. A broad program like this, concerning the many phases of homemaking, helps students acquire an understanding and appreciation of the basic principles underlying homemaking. Happy and successful living begins at home. Through the study of homemaking students learn to improve their home lives. Diane Berryman. CHEMISTRY-PHYSICS DEPARTMENT The purpose of Chemistry is to develop in the student a basic knowledge of the composition of substances, the changes that occur in the composition of these substances, and a general study of scientific subjects. Integrated with this, a laboratory period is provided to acquaint the student with laboratory procedure and investigation. Physics, the culmination of sci- ence in high school, is the study of matter and energy. Its purpose is to acquaint the student with the principles of mechanics, heat, sound, light, and electricity. Laboratory is provided to enhance certain concepts related to these areas. It is the goal of the science de- partment to develop in the student a mode of thinking conducive to his future understanding of science in this highly scientific world. Wallace Frank, Margaret Kelley.

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MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT The Mathematics Department of Birch Run High School offers a broad selection of courses so that a student is able to attain: a basic knowledge of simple statistics and of graphical methods, an understanding of the general properties of geometrical figures and the re- lationships among them, an understanding of the de- ductive method as a method of thought, an under- standing of the ideas of statistical inference as a method of drawing conclusion based on incomplete information, and an understanding of mathematics as a continuing creative endeavor with aesthetic values similar to those found in art and music. The department further aspires to extend and refine the power gained in applying mathematics so as to furnish a basis for an interest in future mathematical work, to meet the ordinary demands of daily life and the demands in future mathematical work. Wallace Frank, Walter Jakiemiec, Margaret Kelley, Lewis Stone. William McQuarters MUSIC DEPARTMENT The primary objectives of the Music Department are to stimulate interest in the study of music, develop a desire for good music, develop an instrumental and voice unitwhich shall cultivate worth- while leisure time activities and interest, and to represent our school and com- munity honorably.