Jefferson High School - Jeffersonian Yearbook (Alexandria, VA)

Page 31 text:

HERMAN L. FIREBAUGH DONALD G. MORRIS B.A., University of Va. A.B., Glenville State M.A., Columbia University SCIENCE ROBERT C. WHITE B.S., M.Ed. Springfield College JOHN COLSON B.S., M.Ed., Univ. of N. Carolina Department Chairman If our parents would compare Jefferson’s science classes with those of their youth, they would find many surprising changes. While training the future chemists, physicists, and biologists, the Science De¬ partment de-emphasized memorization of facts and concentrated on learning from observation and ex¬ perimentation. Offered a diversified program, each scientist of tomorrow found a course closely re¬ lated to his interests. A small group of students experimented with the newly formed Biology II course, written by two teachers from Fairfax County. Their discussions and lectures stimulated interest in individual research projects which they entered in a science fair. Several interested seniors explored advanced topics in PSSC Physics. Earth Science classes took advantage of Woodson High School’s planetarium while Biology students found plant and animal life to examine on the property adjoining Jefferson. Chemists concentrated on bonding, ionization, and crystallization in the laboratory. In cooperation with Fairfax County and the Smithsonian Institute, Mr. Colson, Mr. Mumpower, Mr. Bado, Mr. Howe, and several students created and tested teaching machines to examine the pos¬ sibility of instructing elementary students in physics. 27

Page 33 text:

JOHN A. VELKE, II B.M., M.M., Catholic University of America Department Chairman MRS. ELLA NASH JARRELL B.A., Concord College ( ' IaacA M.A., Columbia University 1 iDia university n u Greg Turk and Mark Laubis await the signal from Mr. Velke to file in. MUSIC Jefferson’s Music Department offered instruction in various areas of study and performance, to musically in¬ clined students. The Symphonic Band highlighted half-time festivities, performed in concerts and represented Jefferson in parades and music festivals. By combining in concert with Ft. Hunt High School and making an exchange trip, the band en¬ riched musical knowledge and appreciation. The Win¬ chester Apple Blossom Parade, the District Band Festival, and the Spring Concert were additional projects ac¬ complished by the band. Through different types of choirs, the singer was offered training to fit his varying musical needs. The unskilled vocalist could find a challenge but was not pushed beyond his ability. The Madrigals, the more experienced performers, had an opportunity to develop their talents. In a combined effort, the choral section of the Music Department joined the Symphonic Band for a Christmas Concert. 29