| Every time one of the kids comes home with the | | | | cherubs, I'll list a few things you should consider in |
| dreaded form which they have to populate with an | | | | selecting a science project. |
| outline for their annual Science Fair project, my wife | | | | - Most experts tell you to first pick "what interests |
| and I get a pit in our stomach. Let's face it, a science | | | | you". I say that's hogwash. I tell my kids to look for |
| project becomes a family project. I can't imagine we're | | | | something that will be easily created and most |
| alone in feeling that way. Now don't get me wrong, | | | | importantly easily presented to the class. Trust me it |
| we're not anti-science. Let me take that back, I'm not | | | | will be "interesting". |
| anti-science, my wife on the other hand, well... | | | | - This should be common sense, but I still remind them |
| It also has a lot to do with what type of kids you have. | | | | that they should probably not use people, animals, |
| We have two which are on the opposite sides of the | | | | controlled or hazardous substances. |
| spectrum. One is very self sufficient, and the other is | | | | - Do not pick one that requires consumable items. My |
| very needy. Nonetheless, it's still pretty stressful to pull | | | | daughter did a liquid density experiment where you |
| off a successful science project, no matter what level | | | | pour various liquids on top of each other with different |
| of aptitude. | | | | densities. It consisted of rubbing alcohol, dish detergent, |
| A Science Fair Guru is probably not going to like this, | | | | Karo syrup and a few others which I don't care to |
| but oh well. Our formula is pretty simple; pick a project | | | | remember. I probably spent $60 on these items |
| with a ratio that has the most amount of learning and | | | | because we ran out twice while practicing her |
| least amount of work. That's right, least amount of | | | | presentation. Not to mention the smelly cleanup after |
| work! I know, I know, you have to do the work and | | | | every attempt. |
| research, blah, blah, blah. My philosophy is work smart | | | | - Make sure your presentation is neat and well |
| not hard. At a job, it's get it done, do it right, and in the | | | | organized. My daughter always tends to get a better |
| least amount of time. | | | | grade than my son because she is very detail oriented. |
| I know there is a lot of value in a science project, and | | | | She makes sure everything is presentable. My son on |
| there are all kinds of scholarships and prize money. Not | | | | the other hand just wants to get it done and over with. |
| to mention that colleges look at what you've done, of | | | | Takes after the wife I guess. |
| any significance, when presented with an opportunity. | | | | The main thing is that you have fun with your kids. I |
| However, almost every kid is going to need some help | | | | think I actually enjoy doing a Science Experiment more |
| or input from a parent, and with most parents | | | | than the children. It's really good quality time and I |
| struggling to make ends meet, the reality is that little | | | | usually take the opportunity to talk about something |
| Johnny will be on his own for the most part. | | | | different, out of the ordinary. We don't get much time |
| There are tons of resources out there on the web | | | | with our kids with our busy schedules, sports, activities, |
| which have easy projects, hard projects, learning | | | | etc. As much as I talk a big game about trying to get it |
| projects and some projects that leave you scratching | | | | done quickly and out of the way, when the nest is |
| your head. Since I've done a few of these with my little | | | | empty, I will miss the science project. |