Mount Vernon High School - Surveyor Yearbook (Alexandria, VA)

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Mr. Frederick H Powell. Science Department Chairman Changes, revisions, and improvements are essential in the field of science. To parallel these inevitable changes in scientific devel¬ opment, the Science Department has had to supplement traditional courses with new trends in instruction. Earth Science has been replaced by ESCP; Biology, by BSCS; Chem¬ istry, by CHEM; and Physics by PSSC. These courses emphasize observation and experimentation in such exercises as The Dichotomous Key of Identification of In¬ sects”, Reaction Between Ions in Aqueous Solutions , and Inertia and Gravitational Mass”. No longer is the student forced to accept what he reads and what he is told as unquestionable and immutable fact. He is taught to observe, to challenge, and to com¬ municate to others what he sees, what he hears, what he smells, what he touches, and what he tastes. Only then can he present his individual concepts of the world through his observations in earth, biological, chemical, and physical sciences. 1 ‘“T j. r r 1 Mr. Givens discovers flubber formula . Taking precautions against leakage. Mr. Coffman insu¬ lates an aquarium. 29

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Courses Parallel The Inevitable Variations In Science Department—Mrs Anna M. Harder. Mr Charles L Coffman, Mr Harold G. Swain, Mr John R. Sawyer, Mr Paul Maskalenko, Mr Eugene W. Skinner. Mr. William P Bryant. Science Biology teachers warn potential violators. MR. WILLIAM P. BRYANT PSSC Physics Trigonometry-Functions B.S., Johns Hopkins University. MRS. VIRGINIA L. CAREY Health-Physical Education Earth Science B.S., Middle Tennessee State University Junior Varsity Softball Coach. MR. CHARLES L. COFFMAN Advanced Biology II BSCS Biology I B.S., A.Y.I., M.A., West Virginia University Science Club Sponsor. MR. DAVID S. GIVENS CHEM-Study B.S., Lynchburg College. MRS. ANNA M. HARDER Earth Science General Science B.S., Immaculata College N.S.F., American University and University of Virginia. MR. PAUL MASKALENKO CHEM-Study B.S., East Carolina University M.A.. University of North Carolina. MR. JOHN R. SAWYER Earth Science B.S., Wake Forest University M S., University of North Carolina. MR. EUGENE W. SKINNER BSCS Biology B.S., Montgomery Jr. College, Vir¬ ginia Union University Graduate Work, American Uni¬ versity, Hampton Institute, How¬ ard University, Virginia State College, University of Virginia Science Club Sponsor Intramurals Coach. MR. HAROLD G. SWAIN BSCS Biology B.S., Alabama Teachers College M.S., Florida State University Science Club Sponsor Bible Club Sponsor. MR. FREDERICK H. POWELL Science Department Chairman BSCS Biology B.S., Atlantic Christian College Graduate Work, University of Virginia.

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Math Is An Essential Means Of Communication Today, in an age of rapid scientific development, mathe¬ matics has become an essential and exacting means of communication. No longer can the conscientious student be satisfied with the basic understanding of addition, sub¬ traction, multiplication, and division. As a member of a progressive society, he must become proficient in all phases of general mathematics, geometry, and algebra. As a student pursuing a scientific career he must also become cognizant of trigonometry, functions, statistics, calculus, and higher maths. The Math Department strives to present a mathematics beyond the scope of mere numbers. In courses ranging from General Mathematics, to Calculus, the student learns the application of math in daily life and in a career in the sciences. Mr Kendall cheerfully greets his Mr Russell H Ferry. Math Depart- students with a familiar expression. ment Chairman. Puzzled student asks Mr Butler for assistance. 30