Sunbury High School - Torch Yearbook (Sunbury, PA)

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 Social Studies Courses Give Students Background for Life in Modern Society The central objective of the social studies department is to familiarize the student with basic problems of the past and present in order to mold sound, in- telligent, and well-adjusted citizens of the future. Specific subjects cultivate the understanding and appreciation of goals and contributions of other peoples, develop faith in democracy and the role of each citizen, amplify critical thinking and analytical reasoning, and strengthen study and work habits. The lecture, question-answer method of teaching is employed, with additional aid provided by reports, maps, and films. Sociology helps young people gain perspective on life adjustment through the understanding of themselves and others. Class discussions and reports include problems that confront young people of today in school, marriage, and family situations. During a current world problems lecture, Mr. Amerman indicates the areas of the world presently controlled by Communism. avtaytiAi BWBARIan bvun» to u, 6M S Dr. Derr points out to a Problems of Democ- racy class that the former U.S. territory Alaska, was a leader in old age pensions. Mr. Thurston offers a suggestion to a Sociology group, discussing the problems of teenage marriages. 21

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CLASSES OFFER VARIED PROGRAM A modern interpretation of Shakespeare's MACBETH, in- Rae Fink oDserves as Mr. Doty illustrates an ad- cluding director, actors, sound effects, and audience, is re- justment to the microphone in speech class, hearsed in Mrs. Erikson's English class. English, Speech, and Journalism Instill Appreciation of Written and Spoken Word The purpose of the English depart- ment is to develop clarity and effective- ness of language and thought through ample opportunity for expression of ideas in writing and speaking. The study of literature is designed to promote life- time reading interests for the enrichment of the students' lives. In addition, a journalism course is offered for students interested in advanced composition. Directly related to the development of language usage, the speech classes of Mr. James Doty attempt to improve fun- damental voice processes, poise, self- assurance, and other characteristics necessary for acceptable public speaking. In journalism Miss Fernsler indi- cates various type cltaracters that are difficult to distinguish. 20

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Mathematics and Science Develop Reasoning Powers with Abstract and Concrete Ideas Sunbury High School offers elemen- tary and advanced courses in the chemi- cal, biological, and physical sciences . Generally, the science department at- tempts to develop in the student an awareness of fundamental laws, methods, and processes which compose the every- day organisms and occurrences in his natural environment. Basic principles are presented and applied by means of films, laboratory experiments, and scientific equipment. In the courses of the mathematics department, students review basic op- erations and discover applications of mathematical processes and principles to life situations. Students learn to think clearly, reason deductively, and draw sound conclusions. Geometric solids, graphs, and scaled constructions are employed by teachers in reaching their goals. Advanced courses are also available for interested students. ABOVE: Mr. Drick takes an inventory of available chemicals for an upcoming labo- ratory experiment. LEFT: Mr. Purnell ex- plains to a Geometry class the formulas for finding the area and circumference of a cylinder. BELOW: As Mr. VanHorn observes during a class of Physics I, Mike Ladd and Bill Kistner attempt to part the Magdeburg Hemispheres. ty' •»- rft i- V« crrcv AH «mi «»• tWrrfU.v yiaa n ■ i JS