Monday, February 27, 2012

Science Project . . . Continued

So the dreaded science project was turned in and displayed with all other classmates at the Science Fair our school hosts each February.  I was an excellent ribbon on my daughter's board, and didn't really think much else about it.  I'd say nearly 2/3 had this ribbon or the superior on it.  Overall, I think she got a "B" or "B-" on the project.
The next day at lunch (I work at the same school my daughter attends), the science teacher leans over and says, "Oh by the way.  There was a scoring error.  Your daughter made it on in science fair." 

It was one of those moments where you are happy and proud as a parent, but are simultaneously thinking "Oh crap!  Another commitment to add . . . and for something that really was not EARNED."  Nonetheless, I congratulated my daughter, and we are off to regional science fair in a couple of weeks.

Monday, February 6, 2012

I Survived the Jr. High Science Project

For the third . . . yes, THIRD consecutive year, we had crying the night before the science project is due.  I (the most cold-hearted mother in the world) stood and shook my head for the third year in a row.  In late October the last three years, I have informed my daughters the following:  "Please, do not wait until the last minute to do your science project.  I would be more than happy to help; however, I will NOT help the day before it is due."  Last night, as is tradition, my daughter came downstairs in tears realizing that her board she started yesterday afternoon (did I mention it was due today?) had incorrect data charts.  I looked at the clock and said, "It's 9:30--you'd better get reprinting."

The funny part of this is that my youngest cannot wait (or so he says now at the ripe old age of eight) to do a science project.  He already has his topic picked out.