Wyomissing Area High School - Colophon Yearbook (Wyomissing, PA)

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TI-IEMATICS Miss Brunner and Mr. Brubaker Miss Brunner's binomials From the time of Pythagoras to that of Einstein, mathematicians have advanced civilization. Perhaps no other civilization reached the mathematical at- tainments of the Egyptians whose secrets have largely escaped preservation. However, from their example we can see that this is a science with potentialities that are vast and unlimited. Tenth-grade Algebra Class The mathematics department at Wyomissing func- tions smoothly, progressing from junior to senior high in a succession of related steps. The seventh grade pupils take a course given by Miss Thelma V. Brunner, who teaches accuracy in fundamentals, independent reasoning, and a clearer understanding of basic principles. In her eighth grade course, she introduces to her students a knowledge of shortcuts in fundamentals and the practice of logical, quick reasoning. Eighth graders work with equations and formulas, ratio and proportion, the metric system, and signed numbers. In the ninth grade it is Miss Brunner's intention to make algebra more clearly understood by linking it to arithmetic and by regard- ing algebra as a mathematical shorthand. Instruction in senior high math is given by Mr. H. Y. Brubaker who believes that the objectives of advanced math are the acquisition of useful informa- tion and the cultivation and discipline of one's men- tal powers. A working knowledge of mathematics is invaluable in this financial and scientific era. More- over, mental discipline helps one to reason correctly. Second year algebra, taught in the tenth grade, is essentially a continuation of the concepts developed in first year algebra. From geometry, eleventh graders may derive' an appreciation for the signif- icance of logical demonstration, an acquaintance with effective methods of thinking, as well as an enjoyment of the relationships and analysis of non- geometric situations. 20 Ninth-grade Algebra

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ANGUAGES 'iThe immense value of becoming acquainted with a foreign language is that we are thereby led into a new world of tradition and thought and feelingf' The writer of these words has expressed the basic theory behind Wyomissing's language department, in which Latin, French, and Spanish are offered. Mrs. Florence Schrack, our new Latin teacher, has designed her course to increase appreciation of our heritage from the Romans, to enrich vocabularies, and to create a better understanding of English grammar. Latin is begun in the ninth grade at which level Mrs. Schrack drills in grammar. The soph- omores delve into the history and the myths of Rome, which include Ulysses, the Argonauts, and Julius Caesar. For the advanced group Mrs. Schrack re- serves the study not only of figures of speech and construction but also of Virgil and his epic poem, the Aeneid. Thus, she turns out promising pros- pects for the French and Spanish courses. Mrs. Norman Knipe, in both French and Span- ish, conducts informal and highly educational classes which are designed to teach grammar and construc- tion and to develop conversational ability. Two ramifications of the school language department are the French and Spanish clubs. Although the ro- mance languages formerly did not appear on the curriculum until eleventh grade, French is now being introduced into the grade school at the fourth grade level. Here in grade school, Mrs. Yvonne Millet continues her course through to the seventh and Twelfth Grade Spanish Mrs. Florence Schrack Mrs. M a d ly n K n i p eg M r s. Yvonne Millet eighth grades where French becomes elective. French, in the lower grades, lays a firm foundation for a more advanced study. Juniors and seniors find it different and exciting to make conversation in another language. In fact, many simple French and Spanish phrases are adopted into senior high slang. Eighth Grade French Ud, eg muy imeligente Le francais est tres facile Ninth Grade Latin What's the derivative? 19

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M , Y Twelfth grade Chemistry. Between the far reaching Helds of Astronomy and Zoology lies a vast array of scientific pursuit involv- ing many forms of mother nature. Thus we find many opportunities for interest and inspiration by the study of laws which regulate our existence and sustenance. From the many branches of science, VVyomissing has selected those they feel are most fundamental, to offer its students. To seventh graders, Mr. Randolf DeWitt pre- sents a course designed to enable the student to become better acquainted with his environment, also to develop a better understanding of the relation-- ships of these surroundings, and to acquaint him with basic scientific principles. Mr. DeWitt teaches eighth graders the fundamental principles of weather, the heavens, magnetism, electricity, conservation and sanitation, and he continues this study in the ninth grade. Here his objectives are to build upon pre- viously learned scientific knowledge and to teach the application of principles to project work. In scope the course ranges from the study of air and water to that of bacteriology, reproduction, and the human body. L Biology is the department of Mr. Jesse F. Sheetz whose broad knowledge of natural life helps many to understand the secrets of flora and fauna. Since MY- Sheetz Mr. DeWitt ...Q SCIENCES Eleventh grade Physics this is the first of the laboratory sciences, tenth graders are exposed to new procedures and techniques. Girls learn to become much less squeamish about such things as worms, crayfish, and grasshoppers, all of which are dissected and scrupulously examined. The study of plants and animals ranges from the simple to the complex. For physics, we come back to Mr. De- Witt whose course for eleventh graders provides them with a knowledge of the mechanics of matter, molecular behavior, force, motion, work, power, heat, sound, light, magnetism, and electricity. In this phase of science Mr. DeWitt is concerned with cultivating scientihc habits of thought and affording students a foundation for the study of physical sciences in college. Seniors return to Mr. Sheetz for chem- istry, a science dealing with elements and compounds. Students engage in experiments with metals and non-metals, creating acids, bases, and salts. Mr. Sheetz's main purpose is to develop an understanding and famil- iarity with major scientific principles, com- petence in the use of the scientific method, and desirable attitudes, interests, and ap- preciations of science. It is clear that Wyomissing's science department attains the goals it has set out to achieve. But it does more than that. It provides a firm background for scientific endeavor at the college level.