Now we have experienced relief. The last couple of weeks leading up were nothing but anxiety. Anxiety was felt for all. I wasn't sure some were ever going to make it to class presentations much less to the science fair.
There was one big surprise. One student who I had marked absent and considered a no show walked in 30 minutes late. He was sweating. He had walked to the school. He didn't just walk around the corner. He walked a couple of miles. This student didn't have a ride. He desperately wanted to be a part of the fair and he found a way to get there. He had every reason to be proud of his project and he was very proud of it. I was so impressed with his determination, and grateful for it too.
The kids were beyond freaked out while practicing for their presentations this week. It was entertaining to watch. I loved hearing the stories of how often they practiced at home. So much growth occurred during this week. There were students who presented more than 10 times on Thursday night. They had come into the fair having only presented a few times just in practicing in class. I loved hearing students say how easy it became to present and that they didn't need notecards anymore.
Thank you to the parents and other adults who came and visited the students projects. They became pros at presenting. Thank you for asking them questions! Thank you for being so positive about their projects.
Ultimately the learned. They learned that being a scientist takes time. They realized the importance of the timeline that I have given them. The saw the importance of deadlines and due dates. They discovered how to ask questions and what questions to ask.
They discovered. They discovered. They discovered.