Science Fair Fail

!!Science!!

It forms the basis of understanding of what we are, our place in this world, and our worlds place in the cosmos.  Science didn't create us, but rather is a function of our need to know and understand the complex by seeking the evermore basic.  Science is a process, its alive, it evolves, science creates ideas while destroying myths and superstition.  With Science “wrong” does not mean eternal damnation but rather a new beginning, a new theory.  ”Wrong” is the start of the next great question and path of exploration. I love science. I love how science allows me to answer truthfully when my son asks “Dad, Why is that mountain there?” Or “How do squids change their color?” I love how science fixes my broken kids, keeps me alive in car crashes and allows me to talk into a cell phone. I was a “Science Olympiad in school, have a scientific degree and work in a science driven industry. The point is  I Love Freaking Science! https://www.facebook.com/IFeakingLoveScience

But there is a dark side, and no I’m not referring to the passing of the Darwin day or the ill-advised, Bill Nye debate. I’m referring to the blackest mar on our children’s education today, well maybe the second if you count “new” math……Science Fairs!

Ok, I’m married to a teacher, so I get all of the stuff that teachers are mandated to do.  I see the muck and know that with only so many hours in the day, and with core curriculum needs, and fully integrated classes, something has to slip. Often science is that slip. I understand that it in grade school math and reading are really important since those skills form the basis for all future education.  Focus here, if a kid needs to know 4 distinct methods of doing long division, and none of them are “type equation into Google”, or “reach for calculator”, then skipping science might be justified.

Maybe we should just skip the half assed science until some real attention can be paid to it, for example in place of the woeful phys-ed class in High School.  This makes sense to me, so believe it must make sense to others.  However, once upon a time, someone somewhere, said science is important in our grade schools….and since we don’t have time to teach it we can cram it into 3 hours of instruction and then pass the buck to the parents…. hail marry into the end zone and duck cover . Teachers, I know it’s not you making this decision, please call off the mob hit.

Enter the grade school science fair project. Six weeks of fighting with your kids to “get an idea” followed 1 frantic day of poster board glue stick mayhem.

My guess is the idea is to get kids excited about science….but this is really a bit absurd. Has a homework assignment ever been exciting?  Do these educators know how kids think?  Kids feed off of their parents. Unless you are the previously mentioned Mr. Nye, the idea of a science fair project does not excite you, and therefor will not excite the kids.  Maybe  exciting means “ gnashing of teeth and parental frustration” in educator speak.

Well it’s over now, everyone got their “participation award”  for more on those click here: http://jim-afisheyeview.blogspot.com/2011/04/flounder-and-chameleon.html and I feel better and I wonder how many other parents are out there who feel the same way….relief.  The good news is I don’t think the science projects are doing much harm, though I will continuously question their value.  

Sidebar: I reserve the right to question that other stalwart of higher education; The history term paper.  Which in my experience did way more harm than good…..As a college bound senior having a semester to write 10 pages, with a huge emphasis placed on the “notebook” was not at all a realistic preparation  for the shock received as a freshman science major…..

I find it a frustrating irony that as I guide my children through their educations, I'm forced to play along with institutions that are fairly universally despised, and have dubious levels of documented success. Children, Parents, and Teachers alike hate homework.  Kids who have been bound in school all day need the time to unwind and play. Remember play? That ancient and intuitive learning tool? Evolution Even! Yes, kids need it, they need the exercise, the imagination and the varied stimulation, they need Lego Time!  I think we all know this, which is why it’s so hard for me to call them inside to do their homework, or force spelling memorization, or get excited about a science fair….pretty sure this doesn't make me a bad parent.

 

Just for fun, and to reward my intrepid readers,  

please enjoy Oingo Boingo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm-upHSP9KU

Corrective Repeated Action Program (CRAP)

We can all look back, take a deep breath, and hold it; as we suck in our guts distended from the holiday season. Here we are in February, a month and change into the new year, and statistically speaking about 70 percent of you have already busted your New Year Resolution.  Not really your fault, New Year’s resolutions aren't any more effective than Congressional or even United Nations resolutions. A resolution is a resolution, it’s just that with the UN kind the Pentagon gets excited and bomb manufacturers get rich. Assuming your resolution hasn't caused death and destruction you can safely move on with a clear conscience or a healthy amount of guilt (depending on your religious hobbies). 

As for me, I have learned that the idea of a personal, date driven, resolution is doomed to fail. So I take a Corrective Repeated Action Program (CRAP), to clear my mind. If you need to know what a crap is please follow this link http://www.burningannie.com/features/shitlist.html. A CRAP, is of course different.  The last time I took a CRAP the intent was to become more comfortable in crowds.  It was before my trip to Disney and I was terrified of the prospect of 7 days in Florida heat with 1 million kids underfoot, 2 million parents with cameras for a total of 3 million people between me and where I wanted to be at any given moment. The CRAP involved putting myself in crowded situations and refraining from freaking out.  So I attended a few fairs, a fest, and the Rally to Restore Sanity in DC; packed on the mall with many thousands of folks. I didn't freak out and the experiences allowed me to enjoy my vacation a bit more. 

The first  CRAP of 2014 was substantial, I wanted to become a bit more trusting and patent of humans in general, especially those in my immediate local.  I choose to begin the CRAP while waiting in line at Wendy’s.  I firmly believe that Wendy’s is the slowest of the fast food burger joints, and here in New Mexico, a state famously hailed as the “Land of Mañana,” things are already slow.  I was in for a long simmer.  The few customers in the place were either employees on the break or old folks sipping their coffee, the place was empty more or less.  In front of me was an older couple, taking their time discussing the merits of the menu and ordering.  This delay would typically raise my blood pressure, but I had just started CRAP(ing) and was feeling the euphoric rush of pride typical with such an initiative.  

Eventually the folks ordered and worked themselves to the side of the counter where you wait for the food.  I ordered, and as I passed them on my way to the soda machine I overheard the man ask his wife, “Where do you want to sit?” “Oh, anywhere, just not in the sun,” she replied. The man walked past me and chose one of the twenty empty seats and waited for his wife.  I choose a seat in the middle of the place with the customary 1 table buffer from those around me, sat the soda down and returned to the counter for the food. 

Leaving the soda was a big deal, it was the first CRAP action.  Normally I wouldn't consider leaving food on the table. What might someone do to it? Would it be here when I returned?  Yes, I had those thoughts but banished them and reminded myself that people are generally good, and it was a 2 dollar soda, easily replaced.  The server engaged me in the conversation on living wage equality which made it harder to continue the CRAP, but I held tight and let it all flow through.  Just as I turned around, after receiving my food, I saw the old lady pick up my soda, move it two tables and set it down.  I was shocked, the first time leaving food on the table and travesty! Apparently, the man chose poorly, and the only other table in the empty restaurant that suited her, was that holding my soda.  Furthermore she knew it was mine and stared at me daring me to make a fuss as she moved it.  As if she new I had just started CRAPing and knew she could get away with it. 

That was the end of the CRAP, and I found it fairly unsatisfying, disturbingly short lived.  I hope that your almost inevitable lapse from your yearly resolution doesn't destroy your outlook on life. The rest of the year could be quite peachy keen for all.  As we work though the coming months our fates will unfold, until then, Best of Luck.