Emerson High School - Emersonian Yearbook (Gary, IN)

Page 25 text:

S. C. ENGLE, A. B. C. L. E. CHEMISTRY The Science Department of the Gary Public Schools was organized as a department in nineteen hundred and ten, at which time there were five teachers, representing botany, zoology, physics, domestic science and chem¬ istry. Prior to that time all the sciences had been taught by two teachers, but at present the department has grown until we have sixteen teachers. One of the distinctive features of the science work in the schools is the extent to which the sciences are taught in the grades. Other schools teach science in the grades, but they do not teach so many nor do they extend the work to as young pupils as the Gary Schools. Another distinctive feature is the fact that the teachers, who teach their special subject to high school students, teach the same subject in an elementary manner to the grades. Because of this fact, we do not have science teachers whom we can call strictly high school teachers, but by this method we get better co-ordination between grade and high school work. The work of the department is made to touch the daily life of the student as much as possible. In botany and zoology we believe in empha¬ sizing the macroscopical rather than the microscopical side of plant and animal life, so for that reason we have our extensive gardens, lawns, aquaria and “zoos;” in physics we deal with the practical side of the school’s heating and ventilating plants, electrical repairs, etc., while in chemistry we try to emphasize the chemistry of the daily life of the student. We feel that the distinctive features of the science in the Gary Public Schools are important ones, and are features which will be incorporated in the science work in “The School of Tomorrow.” DR. O. B. NESBIT School Physician Twenty-three

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GERMAN The course in German offered in the Emerson High School consists of three years’ work. The first two years are optional with French or Latin, and the third is elective by students. The aim of the course is three-fold: (1) practical, (8) technical, (3) cultural. It also aims to teach students to read and understand German intelligently. Through the reading of German classics the student gets a glimpse of fine culture and appreciation of great writers which will help to enrich his life and develop his character. To a person of German descent, the course gives a better command of the mother-tongue. THE WOOD-WORKING DEPARTMENT With the Emerson School came the regular Manual Training shop, which con- MRS BERTHA CHILDS sistec of the wo °d-working shop and the wood-turning shop in rooms now occupied by the forge shop and foundry. Later, when vocational training was introduced in our schools, cabinet-making was among the first shops to be adopted. As this idea grew and developed the reg¬ ular manual training gave way to the new order of things. The wood-working equipment was moved to other buildings, while the wood¬ turning equipment, with the necessary machinery, was added and located in room 214, which constitutes a pattern making shop. The cabinet shop has long since been moved to the second floor, and is now run in connection with the pattern shop. These shops form the wood-working department, and while there have been many changes and additions, they still rank among the first. They are no longer an experiment; they have stood the test and are established as a part of our school. Their true worth is appreciated best by the boys who have worked in them. The boy in the grades becomes familiar with his surroundings, and as he advances to High School and continues in the shops he develops skill and forms habits that will be of value to him as a man and citizen, as well as a tradesman, should he G. E. WULFING choose to be one. Director of Vocational We feel that if in our humble way we have helped someone along the rocky Department road, our efforts have not been in vain. R. S. COFFMAN Twenty-two

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ELIZABETH AMES A. B. ZOOLOGY DEPARTMENT The Zoology Department offers the regular high school course, and in addition, the economic importance of each type is studied in detail. We want our students to appreciate the importance of animal life in every-day living. For the students who wish practical work in poultry, pheasant, duck and squab raising, the department has organized courses. The nature study work is also cared for in providing opportunities for the study of pets kept on the grounds. We are indebted to Cy De Vry of Lincoln Park, Wallace Evans of the Game Protective Society and Mr. Tittle of this city for most of our animals. F. B. SHIRLEY Twenty-four