Thornton Township High School - Thorntonite Yearbook (Harvey, IL)

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denly they find themselves back in the class- room; only then are they led to realize how much has been done in chemistry and how much more is to be done by tomorrow. Spectacular advancement has been made in the science of physics during the present war. Chemistry and physics combined have caused to be created and perfected more inventions dur- ing the present war than in any other similar period of time. Electronics, radar, and radionics are three of the outstanding achievements which have come about in the field of physics. The different uses of the gyroscope are also a splendid accomplish- ment of physics. Gyrocompasses, gyropilots, as well as other uses kept secret by the Federal government until after the war, are some of its achievements. Here in Thornton the Physics Department, which is headed by Mr. C. L. Beier, keeps up to date on new phases in the world of physics. The study of physics, year by year, is growing larger, and Mr. Beier predicts that in a short time either the Thornton course in physics will be expanded to a year and one half or to a two-year course, since only the barest funda- mentals can be taught in one year. The physics lab, the place where theory and experiment are tried and proved, is indeed an important part of one ' s learning of physics. After the war when used Army and Navy ma- terial is available to the public, physics labora- tories will be replenished with all the latest material and equipment. Page 2.

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A Thornton student ' s first year ' s study in the science division is general science, a required subject for all freshmen except girls taking physiology. The science courses are designed to give the student a chance to discover his in- terests as well as to develop sound judgment. The science of biology may be described as the study of living things. In Thornton ' s four well-equipped classrooms students learn of plants and animals, and also of human mechan- isms. Mr. A. C. Brookley heads this depart- ment and under his leadership is disseminated the knowledge which permits a student to un- derstand his natural surroundings better. The Chemistry Department, led by Mr. Fred Ring, enables the student to understand the why, the what, and the wherefore of the world, and the materials of which it is composed. Chemistry is the science of elements and com- pounds, physical and chemical, and their reac- tion to each other. It is the analysis and syn- thesis of matter. Thornton ' s science courses, general science, biology, chemistry, and physics fit the students to live in a better world of tomorrow in a better way. As students study fascinating experiments and facts, they are carried from their labs and classrooms to see scientists such as Priestley, Avogadro, and Pasteur working out problems which changed their world. The students see men working out ways to make the world a better place to live. The bell rings and sud-

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«ISJJH. n . Thornton can be proud of her Business De- crement that is known to employers all over the country. The expert instruction and high standards of work required by this department, insure a successful career for those who com- plete the work. Miss Eva L. Lieber is the head of the department. Under her guidance and that of her corps of teachers, many future secretaries, stenographers, and office workers are launched upon their careers. Alumnae have termed their training and experience invaluable for their later work. Not only do the students learn to type fast and accurately and to take dictation rapidly, but they learn to operate business machines, such as the ditto machine, the mimeograph machine, and other modern machines that make work more rapid and more efficient. There are also two semesters ' work in commercial law, com- mercial geography, economics, and salesman- ship. Now in time of war, as in peace, this depart- ment has answered the call for more and better trained workers by conducting classes in busi- ness subjects in night school.