West Valley High School - Aurora Yearbook (Fairbanks, AK)

Page 139 text:

LOGIC AND SCIENTIFIC METHODS PROVIDED AN EMPIRICAL FORMULA FOR LEARNING fundamentals of demonstrates A I A042 A strong science department is a vital, integral part of any quality high school. Interesting and varied science classes enhance the curriculum, providing preparation for college or simply teaching students the basics essential to surviving in life after high school. Of course, no science department is complete without a solid math department to supplement it. Math classes teach students mental discipline and the art of thinking logically. West Valley has the extreme good fortune to possess both an excellent science department and a well ballanced math program. The science department had a busy year with the addition of numerous pieces of interesting equipment. The long-awaited gas finally arrived, relieving chemistry students of the hassle associated with the small, portable gas tanks. A shipment of physics equipment arrived, allowing students to take part in labs and conduct the experiments relating to physics. Most notable, however, was the attainment of a new laser and experiment kit used to produce holograms. Due to budget cuts, there will, unfortunately, be no such new equipment coming next year, but Department Head Ms. Deborah Pomeroy felt it would not significantly hurt the science program. When asked what went on in the math department this year, Department Head Don DeWitt replied, Same old stuff. There was, however, at least one new development. While some dedicated math students struggled to master Pythagorus' Theorum of Peano's Postulates, the students of the computer programming classes spent their time working with the computer terminal recently acquired by West Valley. The computer terminal, which was hooked up with the University of Alaska, aided the computer programming classes immensely. Taking into account the new equlpment received by the science department as well as the basic strength and stability of the math program, West's math and science departments led a productive year.

Page 138 text:

M. .V 5 ,V + ,P ,gs I K .5 .N s K:X'k' at W a ld S X' 2 .Qi M my Vmhh Lm.. N . m. ,. S .x X,.q.., ... - x ,, DS gil w K Q? Q ' ' 5, S- X., vi ' s 'K 5 fi .X 13+ go 5 LM Q1 ,atb . 9 A wwe, Q E396 ,355 . w .Q. ., Q of X, . 5'NY E -.J 1' Under the watchful eye of Mr. Reed, geometry students discover the wonderful world of trigonometry. W ,,.,, 4 , ' Mr - K I ,n AY My t 11 a X' 1' 'MII' ' M , 'f ' f a W ,me we? Sk lla 'drww fx H .vv ,. lk --mf 2 .arg 1 . 4:2-W fxziw I I. I-V g' i'kw- , M ji4w4.+ be Adding a new twist to earth science. student teacher Mr. Sacco charms a snake. af? -M we Learning correct laboratory techniques, John Monroe and Lia Turner calculate their data. it X x

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WITH SPEAKERS AND FILMS, Ufiimngaiafiefy.,f...chi.gmethod.,M.. THE SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OFFERED AN UNDERSTANDING OF Dun SOCIAL SYSTEMS tm, Preparing young citizens to be effective members of our political and economic system is the major objective of West's social studies department. Through required courses, students are introduced to basic economic concepts, the American political system, United States history and world cultures. The department also offers elective courses in particular areas including psychology, recent Russian history, comparative world religions and the American legal system. Accelerated courses in government, economics, and United States history also are available for indepth study. Films, filmstrips and guest speakers often augment social studies courses. In the '78 election year many political candidates spoke to West classes. Various representatives of the judicial system visited the American Legal System class and economics students were able to converse with experts including a hiring and labor specialist and a local banking executive. A forum with knowledgeable panelists was held at the University in November enabling students to discuss Fairbanks' boom- and-bust cycles and the future job market. Government students attended school board and borough assembly meetings, observed court proceedings and re-drafted the Constitution. All of these activities enhanced the students' understanding of the social systems in which they work and live. Us .,.,,. Reminding us of the days when knights were bold is Mrs. CopeIand's bulletin board. Ray winds up a lecture with a film 'WY A+' , ' 4 ,an - as., j 'A ,L T ax T K I K lvqa.. Taking charge of Mrs. AIIison's history class, student teacher Heidi Hyser prepares to show a filmstrip.