.: County Science Fair Causes Reaction

Friday, February 11, 2011

County Science Fair Causes Reaction

Not all Smiles at the County Science fair
By:Skylar Mabe

For 6-year-old Lindsey it was a no-brainer that she would win first place at the Guilford County School science fair. She won first place at Lindley Elementary School, therefore a trophy at the county level is a given, right? Wrong.

Lindsey wasn’t the only disappointed student at Four Seasons Town Centre, Feb. 2.

Lindsey in father's arms after her loss

There were crying children, pouting children, and even screaming children after the first awards ceremony at 5:45. With over 50 kindergarten through second graders entering the county science fair, only four students could claim the “winner” title, and seven held on to their honorable mention trophies.

With Age comes Wisdom

Allie, a 5th grader at Nathanael Greene Elementary School, also received a participation ribbon, the reward they were handing out for students who didn’t win a blue ribbon or honorable mention, her response was slightly more optimistic of others.

“As long as I get out of school, yeah [I’d enter the science fair again],” said Allie.

The students who won honorable mention were called up in groups of ten, and then asked to pose for a photo opportunity. The third through fifth graders handled their lack of success a bit more gracefully. There were no tears, no stomping of feet and no temper tantrums.

3-5th grader participation winners

Allie smiled for the camera, while mom and dad congratulated and cheered her on. She returned to her seat with her best friend from Nathanael Greene Elm, head held high.

Glory Days

A sea of frowns and disheartened faces was not all that Four Seasons Town Centre was offering for its on lookers. Some smiles and optimism shined through on Feb. 2.

Benjamin, a fourth grader at Colfax Elementary, is running through the motions of his third county science fair. A seasoned veteran at these competitions, he knew what the judges were looking for and he gave it to them. Benjamin won first-place for his project titled “I Need a Cool Drink.” Although he was happy with his earnings, he didn’t qualify to move on to the regional competition.

To learn more about the GCS Science Fair Qualifications: Events and Competitions
For ideas on your next science fair project: Science Buddies
Regional Science Fair schedule and information
National Science Fair information

1 comment:

Alyssa RomeoFebruary 11, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Loved having been there with you I can appreciate the different side of the fair you decided to present.

Beware of the sidebar though. It's tiny & hard to read.
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Education: love to hate it

Education, never again, I hope.

It’s the second day of class and I get assigned the education beat. No big deal, most newspapers follow their local schools, story ideas abundant and kids offer great interviews. What I didn’t realize is with education comes the 3 Ps…permission, patience, and parents.

The permission part seemed easy. We (Alyssa and I) email a question to a principle, a manager or a public relations representative, asking if we can film, interview or interrogate. They, whomever they might be, would (in an ideal world), email with a response: permission granted or permission denied.

This is where the patience come in, and I’m not talking about hospital patients wearing backless robes. I’m referring to that virtue, the one we grow up practicing everyday but never quite master. Yes, that kind of Patience.

I know reporting is not and I repeat not about sitting and waiting for information. However, when it comes to minors, there isn’t much of a choice.

Alyssa and I were planning on attending local Student Government meeting at the high school level. We thought it might spark an idea for a story. Well, if you like being happy, I suggest you never check the email setting box for a “read receipt.

The moment I checked that box was the moment I brought anxiety, stress, and frustration to my front door.

I sent out an email to every high school in Guilford County... there are 26 high schools in case you were wondering. Out of 26 emails sent, 100 percent were read. How do I know that? That little box I so cleverly checked... well it sent me a "read receipt" every time someone opened the email I sent.

That ladies and gentlemen, was my downfall. Out of 100 percent read emails I received five responses. Talk about learning to be patient. I waited… and waited… and waited. It’s been four weeks since I sent the original email. I’ve only received five back.

On to my last “P,” parents. They can be helpful and they can be hurtful. Thank goodness most of the run-ins I’ve had thus far have been helpful. However… I have a feeling down the road I’ll run into someone I wish I hadn’t. When I talk to parents I have to remember these children I’m trying to observe their babies. I must tread lightly and quickly. The parents’ portion of my three Ps has only begun. I’ve been treading very lightly but I feel the urge to stomp is just around the corner…