Humboldt County High School - Winnada Yearbook (Winnemucca, NV)

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H. C. H. S. WINNADA 1927 This requires very nice mathematical calculations on the part of engineers, drafts- men, pattern makers, and mechanics. An inexactness of a few micromillimeters would cause a loss of thousands of dollars—and some one’s job. Without a knowledge of geometry little would be known about our earth, the solar system, or the universe. We could not construct bridges, design mosaics, tile- patterns, or oilcloth. Mathematics is now applied to the social sciences in graphic representation of statistical data. Realizing the importance of mathematics, the Humboldt County High School has, in the school year just closing, not only offered, but has actually taught, a com- plete course in mathematics, consisting of elementary algebra, advanced algebra, plane geometry, solid geometry, and trigonometry—a course adequate to prepare anyone to enter any college of engineering in any university. COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT Commercial activity has stimulated all creative thought and action. It is re- sponsible for the culture of the world. As a result of the West seeking the East and the East seeking the products of the West, we not only have a world commerce in material commodities, but a world commerce in ideas and culture. Since a very large per cent of all human contacts are due to business relations, the value of educa- tion in business must be recognized. Commercial subjects have a dual objective: they provide specific knowledge usable by the student and also teach him to adjust himself in his relations to society. Investigations have proved that creative thinking can be done through these subjects, and that each individual can reach the limit of his capacity in the acquisition •»f knowledge. In the Humboldt County High School, attention has been given to two classes of students; those whose secondary work is preliminary to a four-year college course, and those whose education will be completed upon graduation from this institution. The former type of student applies himself to commercial work with the under- standing that such course will prove of inestimable value in the pursuance of a general college course; the latter with an appreciation of the fact that in a home institution, without unusual expense, he may accumulate such knowledge as renders him able to occupy a position which demands efficiency and offers a fairly good rate of remuneration. HOME ECONOMICS The Home Economics class began the year’s work with the problem of remodel- ing an old garment, and finished the clothing unit by making many attractive wool and silk dresses. In association with this laboratory project the study of interior decoration and color harmony were studied. Dress design proved very interesting as each girl determined the best color harmonies and styles suited to her own indivi- dual type. As a summary of this work Virginia Echave gave a very interesting talk in the assembly September 24th, on “The Economy of Home Economics.”

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H. C. H. S. WIN NAD A 1927 Justly, then, we claim to have practiced a method of investigation, the principles of which are very hygienic for the mind. We Have attempted to prevent a morbid dread of change by viewing a great number of different societies preparing us to understand and to tolerate variety of usages. Lastly, the contemplation of evolution, which enables us to understand the transformation of humanity, has saved students from the temptation to apply worthless “street” analogies to the explanation of social science. MODERN LANGUAGES In our American high schools there are expended vast sums in the teaching of Spanish, French, and German. What objects have we in teaching these subjects and are these objects realized? In other words, has the community received a com- mensurate return for the maintenance of a modern language department? The primary purpose of language study in the secondary schools is a practical value, but a mastery of the subject matter alone cannot long be held as an efficient basis in program building. By a selection of subject matter, pursuit of method, and other devices, a cultural value is likewise added; further, the processes of any language study furnish means for clarifying in general, the vehicle of thought. In our language teaching, we may stress the utilitarian side, making a speaking knowledge our first aim, or we may make reading our primary object. It is incon- ceivable that constructive language methods could be formulated and good speech developed in the periods allotted and with the number of students enrolled; conse- quently, in the Humboldt County High School, reading has been the first aim, subordinating other values. The ability to read a language is more likely to be permanent, practical value than any conversational knowledge that might possibly be gained in school classes. MATHEMATICS Mathematics is the science of number and form. It is the language of exact science; the tool of accurate thinking; the final expression of ultimate truth. The great prizes of today are not going to orators and debaters, but to the mathematical thinkers. If- one would become a specialist in engineering, architecture, surveying, or statistics, he must master mathematics. For mathematics is the master key that unlocks the door to all these pursuits. Dr. Smith of Columbia University says that if all mathematical knowledge were eliminated, civilization would be demoralized, factories would stop for want of machinery, and life would revolt to chaos. J. W. Young, chairman of the national committee on mathematical require- ments, says, “There is' no subject, except the use. of the mother tongue, which is so ‘intimately connected with everyday life, and so necessary to the successful conduct of affairs.” :’in - This is the era of machinery and exact measurement. The parts of an automo- bile are assembled from distant manufacturing plants. They must fit accurately.

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H, C, H. S. WINN ADA 1927 During the second semester the study of meal planning and table service was very much worth while, for the girls learned how to plan, buy and serve attrac- tive, wholesome meals. This was not theory alone, for during the year, luncheons were served by the class to the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams of Winnemucca, Fallon, Elko, Wells, Sparks, and Lovelock, serving about fifty guests each evening. Also on March 3, an attractive luncheon was served to Miss Ruth Talboy, Nevada Home Economics Supervisor. The related work during the second semester was in the form of related art, and many artistic luncheon sets, handkerchiefs, and scarfs were made to harmonize as accessories to costumes, while glow bead table and bed lamp shades were made to harmonize with the girls’ rooms. These were exhibited at the Robins Building April 2nd, in combination with a cake and candy sale, and proved very much of a success. Other activities which the girls have participated in are ice cream, cake and candy, and “hot-dog” sales. The money obtained from these sales was placed in a fund to send at least five girls to the Nevada Home Economics contest in Reno April 28th to 30th. Thrift week was observed by two articles delivered before the Friday assembly by Kathleen O’Carroll on “The Budget as a Means of Saving,” and by Mande Ricks on “Life Insurance and Safe Investment.” The Vestal Arc of the Fireside Circle, which is a Home Economics organization, was organized October 26, with an enrollment of twelve girls, which has grown to eighteen during the school year. The study of the books by Marion Harland on “Home Making” was enjoyed during the meetings. To complete the year’s work, the girls plan to make some “chic” spring and summer dresses. SCIENCE The World War awakened a popular interest in and appreciation of physical and chemical science so far unmatched in the world’s history. This led to a concen- tration of able minds on practical or applied, rather than on theoretical physics and chemistry. As a result of this the courses in science now found in high school deal more with the practical everyday scientific facts than they do with theory. It is true that a great many of the phenomena of nature are planned theories, but these must be accepted until such a time when someone offers others that will better explain the facts. However, the practical application of the fundamental principles of science rather than the theoretical explanation is the direct and specific aim at the present time. The extended application of science to manufacture and agriculture within recent years has placed greater emphasis on the vocational values of the study of natural science in the high school. The science department of Winnemucca High School offers true courses in science, namely: Physics, chemistry and biology. The physics and chemistry are considered upper class subjects and are taken only by Juniors and Seniors. Biology of offered to Sophomores, and may he taken by any student other than a Freshman.