Highland High School - Shield Yearbook (Highland, IN)

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Solving for , X , one of the first things learned in algebra, can become a much more complex problem in a more advanced class. Senior Gene Hetrick prepares to solve a difficult problem of today ' s modern age. Becoming familiar with the intricacies of the computer is part of the learning process in computer math.

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Modern Math Aids Students in Calculations (t 2 -1).(t41)f(t 3 -1)-(t 2 +t fl) Solving difficult equations like this take much time and effort. But through practice, and with the help of slide rules, students become familiar with this type of prob- lem, and they soon are much easier to solve. In the course of math study, class members also make use of compasses and protractors as well as their own sense of reasoning for problem answering. Computer programming is one ex- ample of the newer more advanced math that is taking over in all areas of this study. Students participating in these modern math courses realize how this math is better adapted for a great number of today ' s mathematical problems. Having mastered the basics of problem reasoning and solving, geometry and al- gebra students are advanced to higher levels of math study. One of these is probability and statistics, which was re- vived this year. In this intriguing class the law of averages is studied by experimenta- tion with such things as dice and coins. With a straight edge and a compass as their only tools, geometry students Paul Smith and Bob Turner, sophomores, complete constructions on the board to illustrate proper procedure. Showing the proper format to follow in proving a theorem, Mrs. Patricia Sims explains the substitution property of real numbers. Understanding basic functions is required of all geometry students. 28 Math

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Sophomore Greg Williamson and his lab partner Mike Ward, junior, heat substances and measure their temperatures during a chemistry experiment. The data they record will later help them form conclusions. Students probe into unknown through science Engaged in a scientific discussion. Juniors Scott Markley and Bill Prange go over their after-lab calculations. Working together, chemistry students gain a better understanding of the experiment. Eager young minds probe the un- known in rooms filled with microscopes, test tubes, dissecting tools, and the smell of formaldehyde. This is the predominant atmosphere in the science classrooms. Biology students are concerned with the characteristics, organization, and functions of life, ranging from that of a simple plant to one of a complex organ- ism. Chemical reactions, equations, and structures of substances are just some of the areas studied by chemistry students. Labs make it possible for them to see the practical use of this course and also gives them an opportunity to answer questions through experimentation. Earth science a laboratory orientated course was a new addition to the science department. The study includes the earth ' s origin, history, and changes affecting it. Through complicated problems, phy- sics students are exposed to the domina- ting powers of life. Areas such as force, pressure, friction, and gravity were inves- tigated to give class members a better understanding of what scientifically is happening in many every day occur- rences, and the reasons why it does. 30 Science