J Sterling Morton West High School - Talon Yearbook (Berwyn, IL)

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As Bradley Hahn, Clyde Filas, and Gerald Moutvic watch, Mr. 0. V. Myers compares a regular slide rule to the enlarged model used to demonstrate principles of slide rule mechanics. Incoming Freshmen Participate In Special Summer Mathematics The importance of mathematics cannot be overly stressed in todayis computerized world. Starting with general math or algebra, students can fulfill their chosen college,s re- quirements by following a wide variety of sequences. Sub- jects such as solid and plane geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry, college algebra, college trigonometry, and slide rule are offered. An honors program is also offered to selected students in which advanced principles are taught along with the basic curriculum. , This past summer, Morton West was one of a dozen schools in the state that participated in the Illinois State Summer Program for Gifted Students in Mathematics and Science. The program was open to incoming freshmen selected on the basis of academic performance and recom- mendations hy former math and science teachers. Following successful completion of the eight-week course held here at West, the students earned two units of credit and were enrolled in geometry and biology classes in the fall. Mr. M. Harmon discusses Liz Samec's advanced algebra problem with her. By discussing each problem in this manner, necessary cor- rections can be made, and future mistakes can be avoided. X

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Familiar sights along C-hall are the geometric shapes that line the classroom windows. These models are used to explain math- ematical principles to baffled students. 'N .fu-nal b By participating in one of the new experimental general math classes, Ed Karlovic has the opportunity to work and check his homework problems on a modern electric calculator introduced this past year. Janet leppson carefully plots a parabolic curve under the watchful eyes of Carl Banji, Mr. J. D. Ramsey, and Benita Bialy. The successful graph- ing of such a problem is a major algebraic study. ff .Q ---..4 X 2 l F

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In their advanced chemistry class, Phil Schaadt and Janice Matejko team up with the excellent facilities of Morton's chemistry labora- tory successfully to complete an experiment. Earth Science Classes Employ Weather Station in Classwork Science is an all important part of everyday living in this present age of scientific achievements. It is because of this fact that Morton requires that every student successfully complete one year of general science or biology during his freshman year. Most students, however, choose to take more than just one year of science, and lVl0rton's Science Depart- ment offers an extremely interesting variety of subjects. Chemistry, physics, earth science, and introductory physical science are available in addition to the courses in general science and biology. An honors program in science is also offered in biology, chemistry, advanced chemistry, and physics. During this past year, earth science classes reconstructed the weather station in the A-wing courtyard that was previously removed during the construction of the new ad- dition. lncoming freshmen also participated in the lllinois State Summer Program for Gifted Students in Mathematics and Science held here at West. In one of the team-teaching chemistry classes, Mr. D. Verdeyen checks John Rostls luminous rlial watch that registers radioactivity on a machine similar to a Geiger counter.