North Central High School - Tamarack Yearbook (Spokane, WA)

Page 21 text:

-w-af ,...uv6'J,2,,, ,4,.,f- George Smith Dale Blair Raymond Simonson Walter Spangenberg Orval Theisen Paul Tobie Department Head Marie Taschereau and Sally Mulligan, juniors, observe an experiment in chemistry class. The camera seems to have caught Orval Theisen, physics teacher, off guard. Science Education Undergoing Change: Emphasis on Student Inquiry Aldous Huxley has said, Understanding comes when we liberate ourselves from the old . . . and so make possible the new. This observation is especially true today, when we often find it difficult to free ourselves from the old ways of life or tried and true methods which were good enough for me, so they are good enough for youf' lNe are in an environment of constant change. Some investigators say that our store of scientific knowledge will probably double in the next 10 to 15 years. It will be the responsibility of toclay's young people to adapt not only themselves but their society to a world recast in a mold of scientific achievements. A major key to the success of this adaptation is freedom. At North Central students are experiencing greater freedom in science classes, freedom to think and develop ideas in an unprecedented curriculum which fosters learning through in- quiry. Mfith the facts of science in a constant state of flux, it is imperative that we depend less upon the factual and technological aspects of science. In all our science offerings there is growing em- phasis upon science as a process of inquiry. Sci- ence as inquiry means that the student becomes an active investigator instead of a passive learner. In this manner the student gains experience with processes of analysis and independent thought. These are important tools which will later enable the student to carry on his own self-educativc program which must inevitably come as a result of the changes which are now being wrought. I7

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Burri1Exley D th C d Department Head oro y ong on Robert Barnard Ronald Johns Edwin Kretz William Lowther William Nye Mack Saunders Burril Exley explains an algebra equation to Andy Jordan, junior. Mathematics, the Universal Language Sometimes Referred to as a 'Foreign Languagel' With pencil, eraser, ruler, compass, protractor and slide rule in hand the math student sets out to conquer mathematics. The universal language, mathematics, is to some students another foreign language. Most Spokanites think of Euclid as a street on the North Side, but in math class students learn that he was a father- of modern geometry. Several special classes are offered in math. Some of the Algebra 1 and 2 classes are teaching a different approach. This new concept is known as SMSG, which stands for School Mathematics Study Group. The SMSG method was used exper- imentally for several years and is now a perman- ent part of the curriculum. A special geometry class is offered to give stu- I6 dents who do well in math a chance to receive a more stimulating course. Trigonometry and math analysis is given in the senior year. A strong background in math is needed. The prerequisite is two years of algebra and one of geometry. Math can be very useful, too. Besides discover- ing how long it takes to paddle upstream against a current, students in advanced algebra learn the odds of many games of chance. They also learn about interest in payments of loans and merchan- dise. Students learn that two plus two is not always four when they study the many different number systems. The number system used today has only 10 digitsg some numbers systems have 12, and some have only 2.

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- ' -,,.: , Sem i S, Barbara Eddy Ralph Montroy A. G. Tiemann James Simmons Lillian Barnes Stanley Heath Department Head Department Head Library Library Students Offered Vocal Groups- A. G. Tiemann appears to be in deep concentration , 25353135'i2'f3fehfi5SCi11?9mmg' is he just Art Technique and Skill Stressed Students with the ability Illily join a choral ensemble or one ol the instruinental groups. Choir, Mixed Chorus and Girls' Glee are offered to interested students. Marching Band, Concert Band, Dance and Pep Bands are 21 few of the in- strumental courses open to students. To demonstrate their skills, Concerts and Convo- cations are held throughout the year. Techniques and skills are eniphusized in niziny of our high school are classes. These skills can olten be used in 21 very practical sense when students graduate from high school. An example is lettering. Besides the prztcticzil use of our ITl2lIly courses, there is an increased appreciation ol the world around us. Gary Bursch and Ralph Griffith, freshmen, are busily at work on their art projects. I8