Scientific Society Notes for 1954
COMMITTEE :
President: MR. HIGSON
Chairman: MR. PENDLEBURY
Vice-Chairman: MR. PETFORD
Secretary: A. DOCKER, VI Sc.
Treasurer: J. MARSH, VI Sc.
| 6th Form Representative: A. HOLT, VI Sc. 5th Form Representative: R. GRINDROD, SX. 4th Form Representative: T. ALDERSLEY, 4Y. 3rd Form Representative: N. BUCKLEY, 3X. 2nd Form Representative: C. CUNNINGTON, 2B. 1st Form Representative: P. LOMAX, 1Z. |
The idea of forming a Scientific Society at Greenhill was put forward by members of the Science VI early in January of 1954. On Thursday, January 14th, a general meeting was held in the Physics Lab. and the above Committee selected to organise the society. The society was split up into various sections including photographic, model aeroplane, radio, aquarist and mathematical groups. The model aeroplane and radio groups proving the most popular, the members of the society interested in these two groups meet on Monday dinnertime at 1.0 p.m. in the Physics Lab. It must be noted that the smell of aero-fuel and dope lingered at the back of the Physics Lab. perfuming the atmosphere during afternoon lessons, following an aero session.
Some popular general functions of the society during the past year were the "Brains Trust" and the Debate. In the "Brains Trust," members of a panel composed of the Committee gave their views on such important questions as "Why are there 360° in a circle?", a question asked by the senior mathematics teacher, and speculated on the question "Does life exist on other planets?" In the debate, members of the Science VI said "Science has done more good than harm in man's progress," and the ladies of the Lit. VI opposed this view. Both the above functions were well attended and enjoyed by all. The film shows held in the Physics Lab. on Thursdays after school were also well attended and we hope that they will become even more popular now that we have contacted more film libraries with a wider selection of films. A point I think which deserves mention in these notes is the Scientific Society Dance which was held in the Upper School Hall on Friday, 19th March, 1954. The dance was a success both in the entertainment it provided and the funds it raised for the Society. The special thanks of the Committee must be handed to all who made the dance possible and we hope that this function will become a regular part (if the year's activity of the society.
Our ideas for the future activities of the society during 1955 are to repeat certain successful functions that we know are popular, to obtain more entertaining films - special programmes of which will cater for the junior members, to get the aquarist and photographic groups on a firm footing, to arrange exhibitions in the show cases in the lower hall and a large exhibition in one of the laboratories. The above are only a few of our plans for the coming year. We hope that with support from the members and helpful suggestions we shall do even more.
Finally, let me close by reminding you that this is your society - take advantage of it and give us your support.
ALAN DOCKER, Science VI.
The Geological Museum
As part of the far-flung activities of the Scientific Society, it was decided to bring back into use the glass display-cases in both the Upper and Lower Halls, and fill them with exhibits, many of which were already in existence, but through lack of suitable accommodation were kept out of general view.
The co-ordinated work of several people, including Mr. Wood, the caretaker, to whom a great debt of gratitude is, due, resulted in the preparation of the four in the Lower Hall, two of which are now filled with geological exhibits. These rock specimens illustrate a great deal of the remarkably varied geology of the British Isles, and include examples as ancient as Lewisian greiss from the Western Highlands of Scotland and as recent as chalk from the North and South Downs. In answer to the cynics who have been heard to assert that most of our specimens have been obtained from the National Coal Board, we must state that several past and present members of the school are keenly interested and have contributed, examples collected personally in their visits to different parts of the country. It is often astonishing the number of cameo impressions conjured up by so inanimate an object as a piece of rock. Holding a piece of quartzite, I have a vision of a Sixth Former struggling to the top of Red Pike in appalling weather, in August this year, disappointed perhaps at missing the glorious view that ought to have been obtainable over Ennerdale and Wasdale, but finding time to stow the precious specimens away in his rucksack. The sight of chalk brings to mind one of our senior girls looking out from Beachy Head over the Channel in "the mad March days," yet in spite of the breath-taking spectacle, remembering to obtain and bring back an authentic piece. Visits to Snowdon, enterprising afternoons during the holidays spent by some of our boys pottering about in wet shale collecting fragile goniatite fossils, and remarkably well-preserved branch and leaf shapes, are all inherent in these apparently lifeless objects.
In anticipation of the great number of specimens which we know will be handed to us by future collectors for identification, classification and possible inclusion, we would remind enthusiasts that the most useful are those taken from the parent rock, in a quarry, cliff-face or other outcrop, whilst an exact location is also helpful.
Our latest departure would seem to be in the direction of Continental geology, our first exhibits being of limestone and marble from the French Riviera, and we have every expectation that this department will increase in scope and variety, as foreign travel and holidays abroad increase in frequency.
R. WELLS.