You Call This A Science Fair?!?
Last night was the annual South Valley Middle School Science Fair. I was in attendance not only to see how Z did in the science fair, but also because the middle school choir (of which Z’s a part) would be performing.
The choir did a fine job, especially so considering Ms. McDonald’s typical lack of leadership (kids were everywhere, constantly and she refuses to discipline them). I’m very proud of Z’s singing prowess. However, that’s not what this post is about. Rather, it’s about the science fair.
I loved science fairs as a kid because they gave me the opportunity to branch out on my own and explore the aspects of science that I found interesting. Not so at South Valley Middle School or, apparently, anywhere in the Gilroy Unified School District. Here, science fairs a reas rigid as the display board student design for them. All students (in each grade level) must perform nearly identical experiments. Say what? So, the grading and judging is based on what, then? Solely presentation?
It’s a sad day for the future of science when young scientists are taught not just the scientific method, but to remain within the narrow boundaries defined by those who came before them. If Gilroy is any example the American innovation is dead. It will be sorely missed.
Tags: Gilroy, Gilroy Unified School District, science fair, South Valley Middle School, SVMS
