Science Fair

It's all over but the crying. Science Fair projects were due this morning and we got them completed by bed-time last night.

1 of 2, like all third graders, was required to do a science project this year. Entering it into the Science Fair was optional, but since the requirements were the same I cannot imagine anyone not doing it.

1 of 2 chose to work with a friend (F of 1 of 2) on a project. They each had their own log book and report, but collaborated on a display (project board). 2 of 2 worked solo.

I knew that getting 1 of 2 and F of 1 of 2 together to work on their project was going to be like herding cats, so we started early. And it's a good thing we did because F of 1 of 2, unlike 1 of 2, is not a free-range child. His schedule is very full and our work time was always restricted by another activity. Science does not like to be rushed and restricted. Then again, the attention span of your average third grader isn't conducive to much science, either. The optimist in me will say that the lessons learned from the failed experiments are as valuable as those learned from the successful ones. The pessimist in me says that the paperwork requirements of these projects seem designed to snuff out any interest the students may have in science. Perhaps it is part of a plot by supporters of intelligent design?

2 of 2 was more enthusiastic. Perhaps it was because doing the science project was optional in kindergarten. But he, too, had his periods of waning interest. 2 of 2's project was also delayed while 1 of 2 and F of 1 of 2 were in the "lab" and again by a series of illnesses. As a result we were a bit rushed for time in that we couldn't take any days off in the last week. And mom had to help with the last bit of the project board when I had to go to my bowling league. But it got done.

The next problem is that they are both convinced that they are going to win first place and go on to district! I hope they won't be too crushed when the Asian kid with the overbearing parent or the white kid whose dad did 90% of the experiment and 100% of the display ends up winning.