Nazareth Area High School - Comet Yearbook (Nazareth, PA)

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Although many audio visual aids are used in social studies, lectures still remain a staple of classroom activity. Ronald Lewis answers stu- dents’ questions on a recent American Cultures lesson social studies

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by learning from the past Although this department's purpose is to prepare stu- dents for life in a society of the future, its individual members realize that the past is equally important. Courses in World Cultures. American History, and Geog- raphy help students form the basis for adequate under- standing of social problems. World Cultures, the first course in the sequence, concen- trates on comparisons of the modern world's varying cultures. By tracing the history of each major civiliza- tion. students become familiar with the roots of present- day international relationships and internal problems. In addition, interested students are given many opportuni- ties to investigate each culture's significant technologi- cal. philosophical, and artistic contributions on an inde- pendent basis. In American History, the focus of the curriculum shifts to the development of the United States over the past century. The first few weeks of the course provide ample time for a sound review of United States history before the Civil War; at this time, the Constitution and its sup- porting documents are also analyzed. The remainder of the year is used to study American politics and thought from the post-Civil War period to the present day. As a supplement to these required courses, the social studies department offers an elective Geography course designed to increase students' familiarity with various locations. This course might also be considered an ex- tension of World Cultures, since many foreign peoples and their customs are studied. The past and the present often seem to merge when one is concerned with human society. In this sequence of social studies, both branches of knowledge bear equal importance; yet together they only contribute to the department's major objective; the training of the student for life in the world of tomorrow. BELOW: RONALD LEWIS American History: Geography; Junior Class Adviser. social studies 28

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gaining comprehension of a technological society Wherever his physical surroundings have been con- cerned. man has always sought the answers to two basic questions: how and why. Especially in modern times when industry and the products of technology dominate society, the need to understand the physical world mat- ters greatly to every human being. The key to compre- hension lies with the fields of organized knowledge known collectively as science. At Nazareth Area Senior High School, the science department instructs students in the fundamental and advanced scientific knowledge required fora practical understanding. The study of living organisms plays an important part in the complete science program. In Biology I. the student learns the basics of anatomy in both plant and animal life. A more advanced phase of the subject is explored in Biology II; this course includes detailed dissections and intensive microscope study of various cells and tissues. Nevertheless, the inorganic sciences are also well repre- sented in this department. Basic courses in Earth and Space Science and Physical Science provide general training for those students who do not plan to continue detailed scientific study. On a higher college preparatory level, the department offers a course in Physics, in which forces and their effects on matter are studied. Physics, usually taken in the junior year, may be used as prepara- tion for senior Chemistry. The two courses form a foun- dation for advanced college work in these areas. The world of the twentieth century is based on technolo- gy. which is really only the practical application of scien- tific knowledge. Biological functions, chemical reac- tions. and physical forces — all these have important places in science, and. in their technological uses, all contribute to man’s environment. By studying them, everyone can gain a deeper insight into his surroundings. RIGHT: ADAM SHEKLETSKI. Vice Principal Chemistry. science 30