Sunday, May 24, 2009

Science projects and cookies

This week we did something in our family we've never done before -- a school science project! Every fourth grader had to do a science project for the science fair in order to get an A. Having never had to do one before (neither Darren or I ever had a science fair when we were in school) we weren't sure what to pick. I started looking at some of the suggested websites for ideas and I called Rose for help since she is a science teacher. All were great ideas. But then I saw one that I knew would be the best. It was "Can you make a photograph without a camera?" Darren was on board with it (he had to be because I couldn't help with this topic). And, of course, Kevin had to agree to it since it was his project. Darren and Kevin spent a few days at the photo lab and out in the yard working on projects. My job was to help type up the report and do the display (it takes a lot of patience waiting for a fourth grader to type a report - Darren actually helped finish that because I didn't really know everything they had done). And Kevin actually thanked Darren for helping him with the project and said he enjoyed it. The day of the science fair he was able to show others what he had done and he said they were all impressed.















Darren and Kevin working on the display.
















The cyanotypes (questions regarding the process have to be addressed to Darren or Kevin)















I can't remember what these are called but you use special paper, put the leaves or whatever you are photographing on the paper, put them under glass and put them in the sun for a while.
















Kevin and the finished display. The pictures in the middle are scanograms (scanned on a scanner).

The other day Jacob brought me some cookie cutters, and in a sweet voice with a sweet look, asked if we could make cookies. The other boys weren't home so it was just the two of us. This type of cookie is not my favorite to make because it causes a big mess. But with only Jake it wasn't too bad.




















Jake "helping" roll out the cookies.



















Decorating and eating the finished product.

7 comments:

Carrie said...

Oh gosh, I'm going to need Rose's phone number when Carson is in 4th grade! Science Fair projects scare me! That project was awesome, definitely A+ material!
Susan, you are such a great mom to make messy cookies with Jacob. I can just hear him in that sweet voice asking to make cookies. :) I hate making messy cookies, even with my 8 year old! Props to you!

Tracie said...

what good parents!! Aren't you glad you had a photo expert on hand to help out with the science project too?

Mary Ann said...

Way to go Kevin do they get to win first place or anything?

Susan said...

No prizes were given.

Carl and Pat said...

If prizes had been awarded, I'm pretty sure this would have won first prize. Science projects are always a family project! Ah, yes, sugar cookies. Never my favorite to make either, but somehow they create more memories than chocolate chip cookies. Good for you!

Rose said...

That sounds like a fun science project idea. Kaitlin's display is due next week. I can't wait till it's done. Sometimes it's fun to make cookies or something with just one child, one on one.

Delene said...

Sounds like you guys are busy! I'm enjoying my time off!!!