Nuts & Volts Science Project

[Michael Kaudze]

If you have not yet read, check this out: http://www.nutsvolts.com/blogs/index.ph ... sic_stamps

[kucomp]

Cool, so if there is more interest, Nuts & Volts will hold a contest?

I think I have some ideas... So it must target only 3rd graders? What about middle schoolers?

[CeaSaR]

This is my thread from several years ago: Science Fair.

My son decided on a Robotic Arm as the basis for his project and to see if
they are as adept at performance as the human counterpart. Yes, I did
help him with the design of the arm (he had the basics and I pointed out
upgrades and or areas that needed attention). We both worked on it, I
used the power tools and did the metal bending while he did assembly and
some of the soldering. Also, we did the testing together - I was the "Robot"
and he was the human counterpart. He did the report with all the theories,
hypothesies and findings / conclusions.

All kids in grades 5-7 had to participate and they would be graded.

After all that, a kid that had an entry obviously built by his father won.
Ooo, a water wheel setup the size of a closet and a practically nonexistant
report. He didn't even follow the rules of the Fair as to how to do his Board!
No wonder he won, the main judge was the 6th grade science teacher
whose main claim to fame is to put older computers on "crutches" so he
can use them to surf the web while supposedly teaching. You know the
type - "Open your books to page ### and read to page ###. Then
answer questions 1 through ##. Now be quiet and do your work."

Needless to say, I lost what little respect I "might" have had for him. AND,
none of the projects ever received a grade. What an SOB.

Sorry for the rant, but that had to come out.

Anyway, both my boys are past the 3rd grade. Maybe there will be one
setup by N&V virtually? With age groups. That would be excellent.

Here's to hoping,
CeaSaR

[psycho]

I think this is a great idea. Do it virtually and then print the winners in the mag. And, turn the overall winner into an article. That may help the kids strive for greatness a little more.

They may get more people interested if they put some info in the mag about it. Seems to me that alot more people read N&V than come to the site.

Heck, they may be able to turn it into an annual thing!

Kevin