Wild Card Wednesday {Science Fair Fun}

I know...I know...just trying to keep it together in all of this end-of-school stuff!  Although I didn't post Meal Plan Monday on Monday, I did plan our meals this week.  Here's a quick review of what we are having:
Monday:  Hamburger Helper Cheesy Mac, Steamed Green Beans, Whole Wheat Bread
Tuesday:  Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken, Stuffing (Whole Wheat Stove Top!), Green Salad.
Wednesday:  Lasagna (carried over from a few weeks ago...didn't get to make it), Steamed Broccoli, Garlic Bread
Thursday:  Pizza - Marketside from Wal-Mart (moved to tonight...haircuts and recital are leaving us with limited time to cook and eat!)
Friday:  Grilled Sausage (Slovacek's - our favorite!), Smashed Potatoes, Green Salad
Saturday:  Tilapia with Herbs, Steamed Carrots with Brown Sugar, Green Salad, Whole Wheat Bread

And now we continue with our regular programming...

In April, Jack and Rachael participated in the school science fair.  I have been fascinated with this event since Jack started school at Saint Anthony's over five years ago (has it been THAT long?).  Growing up in the 70's and 80's, this was not an activity that the schools I attended offered.  In fact, the first time I had exposure to something even remotely similar to this was when I was in....should I admit this?.....GRADUATE school!  Yikes! 

Interestingly enough, my experience preparing my one and only poster for an abstract presented at an international science meeting, inspired Jack and Rachael's first school project display in 2008.  Here's a picture of it:

Needless to say, the poster was a bit stark compared to other entries; the kids and I learned a lot from that first science fair, and with each fair, improved in their choice of experiment, presentation and backdrop.  Here's a little walk down memory lane since then:

2009 (disclaimer:  I was 8 months pregnant when these posters were prepared!)

2010

This year, Rachael selected a project to observe the life cycle of a butterfly.  We purchased a kit from Hobby Lobby that included a habitat and certificate with a code to order the larva online.  The project went flawlessly, and all 5 larvae hatched into butterflies.  It was a fun project for the whole family as we observed the transformation of the small bug-looking larva into fuzzier caterpillars, migration to the top of the larvae habitat to form chrysalis (or cocoon) and finally the emergence of the painted lady butterflies.  Rachael won first place with her project as well as a certificate for the appearance of her exhibit.  I knew my scrapbooking supplies would come in handy -- yet again!

Jack selected a water filtering project -- again, a kit purchased from Hobby Lobby was a great help!  He mixed "dirty" water using oil and dirt, and tested the effectiveness of gravel, sand and carbon filters.  It was amazing how the filthy, muddy water filtered through all of the filters to become fairly clean, clear water.  Jack got sick the week of the science fair, but got out of bed for his presentation, and he, too won first place (a tie!).  We had lots of fun with his title, considering he attends a Catholic school!  He also received a certificate for his display.

This was the first year that either child won first place, and the first year for them to receive display awards.  I am so glad that they continue to gain this experience in planning, executing and presenting their experiments.

On a completely different subject, please pray for all those affected by the recent tornadoes, floods, and fires.  Each morning as a I turn on the news my heart is saddened by the strife being experienced by those affected by these natural disasters.  I know that God is good, and I pray that He will continue to hold all those affected in His loving arms of comfort and peace.