Medina High School - Mirror Yearbook (Medina, NY)

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Social Studies GRETA M. AMES, B.S. Syracuse University Social Sludieyg Dramatic: MARY LEVIS, A. St. Lawrence University Social Sfudierg Lalin B., A.M THE FACULTY Social Studies HE Senior High School Social Science Department offers courses in World history, ancient and modern, American history with civics, and economics. History repeats itself. Therein lies its value, for it is by the ruts which are passed that we better know the ruts which are yet to come. Therefore, we are learning, not from our own expe- riences but from those of others. History alone has the magic touch which effectively draws back the veil of the past. It alone can reveal a World long-forgotten, a world on whose treacherous surface people and nations struggled for a foothold. Mere spec- tators are we, viewing from afar a scene in Time's endless pageant. That scene is enacted before usg we are its critics. History! The Social Studies Department has bound itself to many aims. It seeks to regulate our future by a study of the past, to reap for us a profit on the lessons it has taught. It leads to culture and the fine pleasures which accompany it. International atti- tudes, necessary to the cause of peace, are developed among all nations. Our government is dissected, and the importance of each part is noted. There is encouraged in the student the ability to read current magazines, newspapers, and books with an understanding of their historical background. Current trends are interpreted, their probable results determined. Since it tends to remove prejudicial actions and false notions, it gives practice in the weighing, sorting, and judging of evidence. In short, it exposes the line points of each individual, making of him a better citizen. Instrumental in progressing toward this end is the wide use of oral topics, snapshots, maps, lectures, displays, debates, and discussions. The courses are made fasci- nating through novel Ways of prgsentation of material. In one history class, a Major Bowes type of program was given for an oral topic recitation. At still another time, the economics class drew safety posters and carried on a very interesting school election. The modern hixlory :lan .ftudiex world problemx. L. STEPHEN SUMMERS, A.B., A.M. Miltong Michigan Social Studie.: 121

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BY DEPARTMENTS Mathematics LAURA G. KING, A.B., A.M. St. Lawrenceg Columbia Malhematies FRANCES H. DEL1sLE Oswego Normal 711 H. S. Matlzemaiicx A math :lass user lhe slide rule. Mathematics Seventh and eighth grade arithmetic prepares the pupil for the higher mathematical courses - elementary and intermediate algebra, plane and solid geometry, and trigonometry. Through these subjects are cultivated the habit of concentration and the ability to analyze situations. For students who have at least two units of mathematics and wish to learn the use of the slide rule, the Mathematics Club has been organized. Science The science department offers three courses-general science, physics, and chemistry. The first subject is a non- technical combination of a little of everything and is usually prescribed in the ninth year. To the student tak- ing physics or chemistry, learning comes not only from his texbook, but also from the experiments he per- forms with his own hands in a well- equipped laboratory. The chemistry :lair engagex in research. Science ERMIE M. BDARDMAN, B.S. Albany Teachers' College Genera! Srieneeg Biology JOHN A. MARTIN, B.S., A.M. Colgateg Columbia Plzysiesg Chemistry lu

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BY DEPARTMENTS Social Studies HE Junior High Social Science Department offers three courses-geography, United States history, and economic citizenship. Both geography and history are required in the Junior High School, while economic citizenship is essential for meeting the qualifications of the new high school diploma. To know other countries is to know one's own better, and geography makes no exception to the rule. The geography de- partment, through movies, pictures, slides, maps, and classroom discussions endeavors to create for the individual student a vivid mind picture ofthe peoples of other nations. A new respect is thus gained for other nations and for their contributions to the world. As a result of this newly-found respect, the student finds himself bound to his fellow brethren by a strong, yet intangible, web of deep understanding. In addition to its geo- graphical work, the department aids the pupil in his choice of the various worldly occupations open to him as a graduate. The history department also is instrumental in the completion of every student's book of knowledge. It points out the back- ground of beginnings in American history, gives an appreciation of the attitudes and ideals which make American life glorious. It vitalizes history, and, by linking the past with the present, in- terprets current trends. This increases interest in newspaper read- ing, which, in turn, makes for more versatile conversationalists. Economic citizenship, the last subject ofthe Junior High Social Studies Department, deals with the structure of government and business. Commonly used terms, together with every-day happenings, are defined and made clear, so that the student is no longer in the dark about political topics, legislative and judicial, and, as a result, is able to think independently. He becomes conversant with his duties as a citizen and is, therefore, of greater value to his community. A Stamp Club, which plays a large part in creating an inter- national attitude, holds regular meetings. A Ifunior High group ronriders nalionai mbjectr. Social Studies RALPH Eccuasi-oN, B.S. Buffalo Teachers' College ffr. H. S. Social Studies R. ARTHUR GAISER, B.S. Alfred University Sofia! Siudiesg General Science Invmo L. Neem-IAM, B.S. Buffalo Teachers' College Geography lI3