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

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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.

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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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SOCIAL STUDIES Mr. John Reitz The value of history cannot be disputed, as it serves as a foundation for all political sciences, and enables us to understand better the problems of to- Aday's world affairs. Seventh grade history, taught by Mr. John Reitz, begins with a study of the history and geography of each country of the world, In eighth grade students learn about American history. with a close look at each state. Geography for both seventh and eighth grades is designed to give the student basic exposure to the facts necessary for further study and to pro- mote a better understanding of the peoples of the world. Mr. Charles Gebensleben instructs in the history department from the ninth to eleventh grades. Civics, for the ninth grade, deals with Pennsylvania govern- ment and politics. Information gained here becomes extremely useful later on in high school. American and World history are taught to tenth and eleventh graders. Mr. f'G's jokes add a bit of fung his interesting stories behind history make dry Mr. Charles Gebenslebeng Mr. B. Henry Shafer facts more palatable, and the result is a very bene- ficial course. Along with Wlorld History, a bit of the story of ancient times is included. Then, at the end of the tenth grade, Mr. Cebensleben requires a writ- ten report on a given aspect of an assigned country. In eleventh he asks for an extensive report on some phase of American history. Seniors enjoy a stimulating course, taught by Mr. B. Henry Shafer, concerning the problems of democ- racy. Problems of Democracy teaches students to rea- son concerning their opinions on national and inter- national affairs. It develops in them an interest in current events derived from the reading of the New York Times, and offers them the chance to learn about our government. One of P.O.D.'s most vital goals is to produce intelligent voters and responsible citizens. Sight-seeing trips to the Court House and to the United Nations building afford seniors much pleasure, so that they emerge from this course much more thoroughly informed on the government and politics of America. Eleventh Grade History Junior Scholastic subscribers Eighth Grade History Scanning the history books