4th Grade is the beginning of projects and lengthy assignments for students at Old River Elementary. For two months the annual Science Fair rules and regulations have been hanging on our fridge waiting for a great idea from the Riggio Family. As the holiday passed, Joshua and I feverishly got to work on what was sure to be a relatively basic, but interesting, science fair project.
After searching the internet, we decided to test candle burn times to determine whether or not color and/or scent impacted the length of time it takes candles to burn all of the wax out. I ventured out to our local Wal-Mart to pick up all the "goods" and $55 later we were ready to go.
After 3 test runs and some spilled wax we determined that colored wax takes longer to burn. Fancy that! Sunday night Josh and I put together his project board and prepared to haul it to his classroom for what we hoped was a passing grade. Not only did the board yield an A, it was chosen for the Science Fair on Friday, January 20. Jim and I entered the cafeteria on Friday to find what appeared to be 100 Science Fair projects with representation from 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. As I walked around and sampled the displays, I quickly found that Josh had one of the better looking ones. Some were handwritten, small, and appeared to have less than "scientific" subjects.
Imagine my surprise when Joshua called Friday afternoon to inform me that not only did his project place, he received 3rd place for his efforts!! Way to go Josh! I'm looking forward to another effort next year as we work for the blue ribbon!
