Annual Science Fair

Yesterday each of the boys entered a project in the Homeschool Science Fair on the other side of the mountain. They all did an amazing job, and I was so pleased with the way they told the judges about their projects.

Roo did a Science project on growing borax crystals. He hypothesized that the crystals would grow better under a heat lamp. He put them to grow in the window, under a heat lamp, in the freezer, and outside. His hypothesis was wrong- after weighing his crystals, the ones outside grew the most and biggest crystals.
Doodle did a great project on microwave popcorn. He thought that the more expensive popcorn would pop better, and have more to eat, and less that remained unpopped. His results showed that the more expensive brands didn't pop any better than the cheap generic brand.

Bug's project was on heat absorbtion of different colors. He dumped some ice on pieces of plastic tablecloth, and thought that no matter where he put it, the ice on the black plastic would melt the fastest. His results were interesting, the black definately melted faster in the direct sunlight, but indoors and in the shade, it didn't hold the same results. He did a great job with his project, and took first place in the older kids division. Because he's in 6th grade- he gets to go to the state science fair next month. It'll be a great experience for him, and we're all excited.Roo got to set up his project right by his cousin H- who did a fun volcano for his science project. Here's Bug getting his award- Way to go Bug! We are so proud of you and your hard work with this science fair.

Getting ready for the Science Fair

We are getting excited for the Homeschool Science Fair over the mountain. Last year, only Bug did a project. This year- their teacher (aka- ME!) decided that each of the boys needed to do a project and enter it in the fair. So we've been busy. A HUGE thanks to Pam who is always so willing to help with Math and Science in our homeschool. She's judged many science fairs, and is able to tell us what sort of things the judges are looking for.

So here's a sneak peek at the boy's science fair projects:

Roo's experiment:

Checking his results

Doodle's experiment- it was delicious- leave it to my boys to find a way to make science Edible!Bug- you are so cool- lol- found this pic on my camera-

More on the science fair- to come!

Way to go BUG!!

Bug participated in a home school Science Fair today, and won 1st place in the 11 years and up division. He was SO thrilled. He has been working hard on this project for a few weeks now- THANKS SO MUCH Pam for all your help! He hypothesized (is that a word?) that tap water is more pure than bottled water- after reading about how often city water sources have to test for certain things, and how bottled water facilities don't have to test that often. After doing his testing he concluded that there is no real difference between bottled water and tap water based on ph, Ca hardness and alkalinity. He has some great ideas on how to expand this for next year.

Explaining his project to one of the judges.

Talking with another judge, and Doodle and a friend watch and listen.
Bug- SO shocked as he went up to get his first place ribbon.

Congrats Bug! You did awesome! We are so proud of you and your hard work and all the knowledge you gained through this project. Thanks to the HS group from over the mountain for letting us join in on the fun. We are definately IN again next year.