Virden High School - Kennel Yearbook (Virden, IL)

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CHEMISTRY PHYSICS Compliments of CARL LANE, INSURANCE Best Wishes from PEOPLES' STORE in Thayer 40

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ENGLISH CLASSES The Senior class, under the instruction of Mrs .Harnitz, studied poetry and literature. Recently, the drama Macbeth was undertaken, and the students were very much impressed by the stage interpretation by Jack Rank. This was held soon after their work on Macbeth was finished, and it illustrated many things that could not be clearly understood in the play. The Junior class, also under the instruction of Mrs.Harnitz, have had a wide variety of English work. During the first semester they studied mostly grammar in their workbooks and in their text. During the past few months their studies have turned to literature, short stories, and peo- try. The students made a short story booklet, including the lives of the authors, which better acquaints the students with the author and his works . A new additional attraction to all English classes are the frequent classes held in the library for reference or biographical information. HOMEMAKING DEPARTMENT This is the first year in which the first year Homemaking Class is divided into two parts. The first semester the class of thirty-five stu- dents are given instruction, under Mr. Simpson, in Home Mechanics. These classes are offered for the purpose of learning the basic prin- cipals of simple woodworking. Each girl made several things, such as doorstops, tie hangers, and book ends. . The second semester will be more closely related to sewing and cook- ing. The sophomores in the class of Homemaking two spend most of their time on a meal planning unit, also included in the years instructions is clothing work and home decoration for twelve weeks. Homemaking three, classes of Juniors and Seniors, work for the most part in clothing construction and the study of textiles. Improvements in the Homemaking Dept. are new vanitian blinds, two large drawer units, built in ironing board, steam iron, and two complete new unit kitchens. In the near future, possibly next year, Miss Gilmore hopes to have two more unit kitchens completed and a space furnished with relaxation furniture for discussion. These new establishments will add beauty, as well as interest, in our Homemaking Dept. Congratulations from LIGGETT'S 39

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SCIENCE CLASSES This year we have two biology classes of sixty students under the instruction of Mr. Crull. Some students ask why they should study bio- logy. Here are a few of the reasons why all students should study to determine how living things move, grow, feel, or escape enemies and disease. Ignorance of biology has ruined farms, has made houses ex- pensive, and has caused streams to overflow their banks or fill costly reserviors with silt. Rules of biology will help us stop these losses, turning waste lands into profitable woods, keeping water in the ground and making soil richer than it is today. Biology helps men to choose a place to live, grows fine crops for him, guides him in his choice of food and provides the principles of good health. As a vocational course it provides employrnent for an ever-increasing number of technical scien- tists. People are always trying to find out what things mean and science will make the world mean more to the students. For instance, in general science we learn the meanings of scientific words so the students can read stories about science from newspapers and magazines and under- stand them. General science can do much to show the student how to think. As we do experiments and exercises we have' an opportunity to do clean-cut careful thinking. Some experiments we do in class and some we do at home. These help us to understand and remember the important ideas of the lessons. In the Chemistry classes this year we have thirty-seven students . This is the smallest number in chemistry for several years, but those taking it are interested and are working hard to receive all the value possible from it. In chemistrywe learnhowthe common substances such as coal, air, and water have been made by the chemist into such things as dyes, drugs, textiles and plastic substances each of which may help, in some way to make our existance more enjoyable. We learn that our bodies are chemical factories, and also about life saving drugs. We study metals and alloys and how they help our countryto have the highest standard of living in the world. PHYSICS The major units of Mechanics, Heat, Sound, Light, and Electricity in Physics were covered during the term 1948-49. Emphasis was placed upon practical application of the fundamental laws, and concepts-appli- cation of these principals to the objects with which the student is fami- liar. For instance, hydraulic apparatus, mirrors, thermometers, elec- tric lights, motors, etc. The Physics class repaired the electric scoreboard for the school. They also plan a field trip to Sangamo-Electric to see the source of the theory of electricity in operation. Also a unit is being studied covering the Atomic Energy development to enable the student to understand bet- ter what is happening in the field today and what could possible in the future. An admired accomplishment of the Physics class was the light- ing and construction ofa large star for the school's decorations at Christ- mastime. Congratulations from FRANK SMITH CITIES SERVICE 41