Frank W Cox High School - Talon Yearbook (Virginia Beach, VA)

Page 27 text:

In our modern, cosmopolitan world, a knowledge of languages is essen- tial to a better understanding of the people and countries which compose this society. The current trends in teaching foreign languages are to build word mastery and comprehension and fundamentals of grammar so that speaking, writing, and translative reading will progress coordinately. The language department has expanded its program to include five foreign languages: French, German, Latin, Spanish, and Russian. The lan- guage laboratories installed last summer have been successful in improving speaking techniques by the use of tapes recorded in the native dialects. Mrs. Mary Wood, department head, partici- pated in the Coxswain campaign that Latin-is- not-a-dead- language. Mrs. Olson realizes the importance of class conversation in making the study of Spanish more practical and enjoyable. Language facilities Increase With Addition Of Laboratories 23 The newly installed language laboratories in- crease students ' interest in languages through participation.

Page 26 text:

English find Social Studies Unite forces In Team Teaching Mr. Lumpkin teaches his senior government classes the basis and foundation of American democracy. Government studies ranged from the Presidential election to the pros and cons of Federalism. Juniors pay rapt attention to Miss Wood- ward ' s American history lectures, of which the topics varied from current events to pre- historic civilization. Her daily agenda also included an opportunity for comment on the craziest new fad or the latest school event. 22 The quests for knowledge and understanding form the meeting place of all ages, times, and peoples. The study of the past must precede the study of the present day, since today is but a mirror of the events of yesterday. First Stop — the world. The different races and cultures just didn ' t happen in a certain place at a certain time; they grew out of the circumstances of environment — the terrain, rainfall, location, vegetation, temperatures, general climate — or geography of the earth ' s surface. When these early civilizations did emerge, their peculiarities of temperament, religion, organization, and customs formed the nations in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and the conflicts, empires, governments, and systems which made up old world history. With this background came a more complete comprehension of the problems, alliances, and enmities which are the basis of today ' s international relations, our American history, and our government . . . and this all formed the social studies curriculum at Cox. Mr. Alfred Bulla, department chairman, ex- plains time zones to his social studies classes with the aid of new, up-to-date maps.

Page 28 text:

Chemistry lab puts to work the principles of chemical reactions. Biology students explore the microscopic world. Students Learn Wonders Of Science Scientific knowledge is acquired step by step, and there must be a solid foundation by which to reach the highest concepts. Eighth and ninth grade general science courses covered briefly the vast areas of science without focusing on any one phase. Biology students also received an introduction to lab science and the exhilarating experience of dissection. In chemistry, the subject was matter and its elements, with their composite properties, atomic charges, number and weight, and chemical changes and reactions. Problems were solved, hypotheses proven . . . and the locale of discovery was the laboratory. Physics students concerned themselves with energy in coordination with matter, and the changes and relationships of the two. Mrs. Ruth Husk, chairman of the science de- partment, carefully stocks the lobortory shelves. 24