Marian Catholic High School - Mariner Yearbook (Chicago Heights, IL)

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XX KWNQ Structure and matter probed Included in lVlarian's curriculum are various types of science courses: General Science, Introductory to Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Chemistry C.B.A., Physics and Physics P.S.S.C. Of these seven only General Science is not a lab course. General Science is a lecture course which may be elected by freshmen. In this class, freshmen cover the Scien- tific Method and basic facts about such branches of science as Chemistry, Physics, and Meteorology. Though lectures might sound dull to some, they need only observe one of lVlr. Derfiny's lively classes to prove otherwise. Introductory to Physical Science is an advanced course which may be elected by freshmen. It covers the same material as General Science but in greater depth. Students who qualify for this class have access to a lab. During sophomore year, lVlarian students are required to take Biology. Biology students trace the evolutionary process, beginning with the formation of the most primitive forms of life and ending with man. Throughout this course, students have a chance to perform many experiments. These include the traditional blood tests and dissection of frogs. After Biology, students who wish to broaden their scientific knowledge elect either Chemistry or Chemistry C.B.A. These courses may be taken in the junior or senior year. All Chemistry students have the opportunity to discover different types of matter: their laws of combination, their properties and how they relate to each other. Students of Chemistry C.B.A., however, have the opportunity to work on an ad- vanced level. Physics and P.S.S.C. Physics are advanced courses which also may be elected by juniors or seniors. These courses deal with the structure, properties, and behavior of all material things. i -l I . il wif: . ' A - B 'I 1. 1 i 27

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OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Francis Jedlicka, Paul Marx, and Gilbert Kowalczyk built a somewhat elaborate structure to test the velocity of a falling abject in PSSC Physics. PORTRAI TS: Sister Mary Ffosalima, Mr. Robert Hunger, Sister Mary Janet, Sister Mary Letitia. OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: Mr. Dennis Derfiny demonstrates the fact that math is an important part of science in a freshman science class. BELOW RIGH7? Grinning, Mr. Eidei tis surprises his chemistry class by announcing a pop quiz on balancing chemical equations. BE- LOW' Checking Angelo Rotondi's math, Bill Schroeder makes sure that correct temperature readings are entered into the data. RIGH7? Making ph tests required Nick Santilli, Kathy Leiteritz, Tom Barr, and Roxanne Jusk to work carefully. 74 ' '. l Puff .4-M A 26 1- is

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,ili- Ce' 1ql7 -,...d,, r Math offered at all levels Algebra l introduced most freshmen to high school mathematics. The course began by acquainting the students with different kinds of number properties and basic terms that are used throughout the year. Later, the students learned how to factor various types of equations including quadratic and linear equations. Means to solve word problems were explained in a separate section. The square root concept, as well as functions and proportions, were dealt with toward the end of the year. General lVlath or Algebra la fulfills one of the two required mathe- matics credits. For many students, Bookkeeping followed General Nlath. Others took Algebranlb the sophomore year. Both courses gave the students their second credit in math. i Another second year math course, Geometry, can be elected. At a glance, Geometry is a maze of proofs, algebraic equations, theorems, postulates, axioms, and constructions. Through careful study, these elements were learned and used in proofs of both inductive and deduc- tive natures. Construction was an important skill developed especially in dealing with three-dimensional figures. Algebra ll, an advanced math course, was very popular with students who had mathematical ability and with those preparing for several tests taken junior year, such as the ACT, SAT, and NIVISOT. Juniors and sen- iors who elected this course had the opportunity to expand.the mathe- matical skills they had learned in Algebra l and Geometry. Factoring 28