Pensacola High School - Annona Yearbook (Pensacola, FL)

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Senior trigonometry and physics students learn the mechanics and methods of working the slide rule under the direction of Mr. Bragg. Teaching them the fundamentals, Mr. Bragg uses an over-sized slide rule to illustrate his point. A knowledge of quick multiplication, division, and logarithms is obtained by all his students from the explanation. Math Department Is Extensive and Complete The complex procedure involved in solving a quadratic equation is demonstrated for a bewildered freshman by an understanding Mrs. Priest with a graph. Basic concepts, vocabulary, the nature of proof, and elements of a deductive system are important in understanding the principles of geometry. The value of clear thinking is em- phasized by instructors of geometry at Pensa- cola High School. Deductive logic is used and exercised throughout the year in the geometry classroom. Applied business arithmetic deals with fun- damental ideas and operations through the study of problems faced by every individual in his daily life. Personal use of finances as well as business use is taught. The senior at Pensacola High School is of- fered a course of higher mathematics which in- cludes trigonometry for the first semester and advanced mathematics for the second semester work. The pupils electing this course are pri- marily those who have been successful in pre- vious courses and who require mathematics for further vocational preparation. Trigonometry un- veils a wide range of applied problems. It is built on few assumptions; it gives an opportun- ity to show the power of modern mathematics, and offers excellent opportunity for interesting problem-solving situations. Advanced mathe- matics includes the study of numbers, complex equations, dimensions, and an introduction to the use of a slide rule. Mathematics is essential in the preparation of leaders of science, technology, business, agri- culture, and industry. It is basic for development, of all technical fields, natural science, and en- gineering. Mathematical knowledge can also lead to the appreciation of many other fields. 17

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JEFF MOORER KATHERINE PASCO JEAN PAYNE ANISE PRIEST LYDA WALTON This intricate Plane Geometry problem is extremely baffling to Susan Lurton. Solving this problem will put her one step further on the road to math success. A Math Knowledge Is Imperative for Today The responsibilities of a citizen are manifold and important. He must make decisions and appraise them. Because of the complexities of the economic world, political life, international relationships, and development of transportation and communication, the citizen must think logi- cally. He must recognize and verify assumptions, conclusions, definitions, and have the ability to conduct deductive arguments. If he can ac- complish these things, the citizen will be an intel- ligent member of the community, state, nation, and world. Mathematical competence is essential to citizenship competence. Algebra provides training in thinking of abstract mathematical relationships by using a new language and symbols. The knowledge gained is useful for college entrance examin- ations. The beginning period in an Algebra course is very crucial because basic skill and knowledge must be developed. There is vocabu- lary building, learning symbols, and using pro- cesses. Problem solving is one of the primary aims of mathematical studies; Algebra provides a good and effective approach for solving prob- lems. To develop genuine problem-solving abil- ity, the student is taught to understand the situ- ation that is setting the problem. It is the aim of the Algebra teachers of Pensacola High School to utilize devices and procedures which stimulate initiative in their students. 16

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MARVIN BECK EDGAR BRAGG REGINALD BUTLER Mr. Butler, chemistry teacher, simplifies for a group of students the experimental course which was intro- duced this year. Only a few schools employ this method. Occupations in Science Are Available to All With the present world emphasis on the rush to reach the vast uncharted areas outside the earth's atmosphere, much more pressure has been placed on the nation's schools to produce the scientists and technicians required to fill the ever expanding national need. Colleges and universities are constantly raising their require- ments in the fields of science in an effort to promote a larger interest in scientific technology. The science courses at Pensacola High School are predominantly directed to afford an equal opportunity for all students to acquire a better understanding of the world in which they live. These courses are divided into two different sections—Biological and Physical. Basic courses in General Science and Physi- cal Science are offered for those who are inter- ested merely in obtaining a general foundation in science, and also for those students who wish to use these courses as a foundation for the more complicated subjects. Chemistry I, which is the first big step in the physical science division, is being offered this year in a new course compiled by the Chem- ical Material Education Study. No matter what approach is used, it is still a subject which stu- dents find requires a good deal of intensive study and hard work. The deepest and most detailed science Course available at Pensacola High School is Physics. The main purpose of the course is to teach the hows and whys of the world of inanimate objects through the use of logic and observation. The mechanism of motors is simplified by Mr. Bragg while he explains the principle of internal combustion to phys- ics students. Cliff Frances and Charlie Griffin. A scale model of an engine enables the teacher to present new ma- terial in the most interesting way. The science department also provides a refractor wheel for use in Physics lab. 18