Elementary Science Olympiad
I took MilitaryKid to St Mark’s High School for his Elementary Science Olympiad competition. First I registered our Home School teams, one for each grade; 4th, 5th, 6th, passed the schedule to the other parents, waited for a few late arrivals, and then waited outside MilitaryKid’s classroom while he took his first study event test; Fruits and Vegetables.His next event, Calculator was not requested by any HS’ing child, and NOT the event MilitaryKid wanted. I find the use of calculators at the elementary level despicable. Why allow a child, who is still learning his math facts and unfamiliar with the order-of-operations the use of an electronic device? I only put MilitaryKid into it since no other 4th grader wanted it and he already had his first choice for 2 other events. As it turned out none of the HS kids medalled in this event.
MilitaryKid’s next events were with his fellow friend, and the first was Paper Rockets followed by Barge. As Helen and I sat watching our sons build, and then test their paper rockets we consoled each other — why are they rebuilding their rocket? It went so far, why don’t they just sit back and wait? Of course, they are in 4th grade and doing what 4th grade boys do—PLAY! We silently sat, thankfully far enough away that they could not see us or that we were consoling each other. Amazingly they took 2nd in the event!For Barge all the parents were allowed in the room. MilitaryKid and his friend built their barges just like they had at home, and then loaded them with pennies. We were sure that they had taken first place based upon the other load weights we heard. However, during the award ceremony the boys took 3rd place. They were pleased to have two awards around their necks, and I was thrilled MilitaryKid had competed.18 of the 21 children competing with our Home School team walked away with at least one medal. One family, concerned their son was not prepared pulled him from 2 of his events. I cannot understand why a parent would do this. Maybe someone someday can explain this to me. Amazingly the little 3rd grader who stepped in for a 6th grader took a 1st and a 3rd place in her two events. What an amazing surprise! With less then 2 weeks to prepare, her family certainly seized my heart as they looked upon this competition as a chance for their daughter to be involved. All they wished was for her to be involved and for a chance to experience Science Olympiad. Ironically the family who pulled their son from 2 of his events was paired with this little girl for one event. Contrasts; isn’t that what a journey is about?
Wow, what an experience.
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