University High School - Bisbila Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

Page 22 text:

Science MR. LADDIE J. BICAK taught science I this year, and he was also an advisor to the sophomore class. This was Mr. Bicak’s third year at I High. He received his B.S. and M.A. at the University of Nebraska and is working on his Ph.D. MR. JOSEPH MICHEL taught Chemistry and Science I. In addition to this, he a«l-vised the seventh grade and coached the tennis team. Mr. Michel has taught at I High for three years. He has his B.A. from Northwest Nazarene College, and is working on his M.A. DR. CLARENCE BOECK. head of the Science Department. has been at U High for twelve years. He taught physics and is currently the president of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching. Dr. Boeck received his B.S.. M.A., and Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. MR. ROCER OLSTAD taught science I during the past school year. A four-year member of the U High faculty, he also advised the junior class. Mr. Olstad obtained his B.S. and M.A. at the University of Minnesota, and is working on his Ph.D. MR. RAYMOND STEDJE taught one chemistry class and was adviser to A. V. O.C. He has been a member of the U High staff for one year. Mr. Stedje obtained his B.A. at Concordia College and is working for his Master’s degree. MR. LOUIS WALTERS taught Biology, and has done so for six years at I High. Presently working toward his Ph.D.. he received his B.S. from St. John’s University and his M.A. from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Walters advised the sophomore class. 20

Page 21 text:

The Math Department was involved in a rather extensive experiment in 1959-60. It used a different text in many classes: students will long remember the large, blue paperbacks in circulation at all grade levels! These texts, bearing the title, “School Mathematics Study Group, varied only a little in material presented from traditional math books. Their teaching approach, however, was different. More emphasis was placed upon the comprehension of basic mathematical concepts, and an attempt was made to give students some understanding of mathematical thinking. This new approach to mathematics was being tested on both the state-wide and national level: in 1960, Minnesota had the highest number of participating teachers (128) and University High was the only school in the country experimenting on all grade levels. No studies have yet been made and, partially because of this, the Math Department found it hard to say whether it is a better method of teaching than the traditional one. Many of the participating teachers and students, however, seemed to like the new curriculum. All cl «r now, Don? Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Higher Algebra Trigonometry 19 ZAP Consumers' Math

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Earth Science Biology Chemistry Physics Carter's amused, Jeff's amazed . . . This year, the science department completed the last phase of a three year biology placement experiment, conducted by Mr. Louis Walters. The project was designed to determine whether biology could be taught as effectively at the freshman as at the sophomore level. As a result of the experimental findings, biology will be begun in ninth grade in future years at U High. In correlation with the biology placement. Mr. Roger Olstad prepared a science program for the junior high incorporating geology, meteorology, and astronomy, to be taught over the two year span of seventh and eighth grade. These earth sciences were formerly covered by three years of teaching. In addition to this main project. Dean J. William Buchta conducted an experimental physics class. This course had a dual purpose; in it. Dean Buchta wished to try out some of his personal theories on physics teaching, and he also wanted to discover more about the capabilities and scientific interests of high school students in general. After he has completed his experiment, he hopes to design a physics course on the basis of his data. Sally transfigured, and Bob's curious — but they all agraa that scianca is wonderful. DEAN J. WILLIAM BUCHTA taught an experimental physics class this year. He is the Associate Dean of SLA at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Buchta received his B.S. and M.A. at the University of Nebraska and His Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. 21