North Mecklenburg High School - Viking Yearbook (Huntersville, NC)

Page 28 text:

For those who had already taken a course in AX ,.r 'MmT ... wffm 'T ' 'Z XX jf.LL Van Cornelius explained a proof to the geometry class as Mr. Marshall checked him. Many new concepts in relation to mathematics have come into being. Because of these new con- cepts, a fairly recent graduate would find himself at a loss to participate in the present math classes. Of course this is not true with all the courses included in the math program, but it is true in some of them. Two and two are still four, but its the method by which one reaches this conclusion that makes the difference. North is participating in the program of the National Defense Education needed materials and supplies ther the training given in language. Much use is made it was sorely needed to keep and methods in these courses. For the first time North is Act whereby many are furnished to fur- math, science, and of this material, for up with new trends offering a combina- tion of plane and solid geometry. Both these courses have been taught at North, but this is the 24 first time for the combination of the two into one course. An integrated algebra and trigonometry course is offered also. This' is comparable to a col- lege freshman course in math. Only those stu- dents who are proficient in math are permitted to take these courses. plane geometry, solid geometry as a separate course is offered this year. Trigonometry is offered as a separate course for the last time this year. Algebra I and Algebra II are offered for the students who want to further their training in math. Business math is offered, also, and is a popular course for those not interested in higher math. Two units of math are required for graduation, but much more math is required and recommended for many entering college. Geometry is one of the college required courses. ,,

Page 27 text:

Social Studies Teach Change ls Inevitable The basic goals of education are concerned with both morals and the intellect. To train the student in becoming a good citizen, one who believes in the inherent dignity of man, the individual - is the concern of the school. World history and United States history are of- fered at North. U. S. history is required for gradua- tion, but world history is an elective. Historv is important for the student, for it provides an under- standing that change is inevitable, but that change and progress do not mean the same thing. It also gives an understanding that men in every age have been confronted with the same fundamental prob- lems as we face today. History justifies being included in the curricu- lum because it contributes to the development of citizens who can participate intelligently in social, political, and economic groups extending from one's own home outward to the world. Bible is a social study that is offered through the cooperation of the churches in the community. It is financed by these churches and is taught in such a manner as not to stress any particular re- ligious belief. Bible l and Bible ll are offered as electives to any student who chooses the course. Many projects and other activities are carried on in these classes. Another course giving credit as a social study is distributive education. Students learn the essentials of production and distribution and the effect of each on the economy of our country. They have only a half-day's work at school, going out on various jobs with cooperating businesses. Students are screened before being allowed to take DE. Also counting as a social study is family living, which is offered for any senior lacking a social studies unit or one who is interested but does not particularly need the credit. Two units of social studies are required for grad- uation, but one of these must be U. S. history. Three homerooms are brought together for U. S. history by television. To see the screen better and to avoid being tempted to talk to one's neighbor, members of the class sit a desk apart. 23

Page 29 text:

Ns Rx Demonstrating an experiment for the chemistry class are jean Stroup and Sammy Kennedy. Science Calls For Greater Emphasis The place of discovery in teaching science has never been questioned. This, of course, is the heart of the science laboratory method. Participating in the NDEA program, science laboratory materials and equipment are helping to meet the needs of the department in giving the student the oppor- tunity to use the discovery method more often. Never before has there been such a need for good scientists in every field, so there is an excel- lent opportunity for the student who is interested. If he has the interest and the ability, there is no limit as to what he can do. The rewards are many. Since the future of American progress and de- velopment depends upon adequate science and mathematics programs, North tries to keep the interest of the student and encourage him to take advanced work. Biology is required of all students, and one other unit is necessary for graduation. Most colleges re- quire biology and either chemistry or physics. Some require both of the latter, depending upon the major the student will take in college. Science fairs and clubs make it possible for the individual to work on his own, and they are of in- creasing importance in the effort of meeting the needs of the science program. North's students enter the science fair each year, and many join the science clubs. 25