A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Our family spent the weekend at The Radisson in Rockford where our children participated in a Homeschool Science Fair for K-12 students in Northern Illinois. Not only were our children participating, but I had the privilege of coordinating it, with the help of an amazing friend.
We had the chance to bring in a superb speaker, Dr. Jay Wile, on Friday night. He led a seminar on teaching High School Science at home. It was so informative and very helpful in understanding what requirements we need before our children graduate. He encouraged us that we can do this even if we don't have a degree in science education or a masters in scientific theory. In fact, he restated some things that have been fundamental in my beliefs regarding homeschooling from the beginning.
With our kids I have always encouraged them to step outside the proverbial box and make learning mean something to them. You see I can spoon feed it all to them, or I can try to fill their minds with all the facts and knowledge I think is necessary; however this is fruitless when there is nothing that is relevant and sustaining. What?? That was bold, I know. But let's think about it. If it means something to you, you will retain it.... right?
Dr. Wile had some very practical and wise insight into teaching teens a subject that a lot of people find intimidating. Give them the tools to be life-long learners and you will ultimately give them the tools to be successful. Give them an opportunity to be very involved the educational choices that are made and you give them the foundation of responsibility to follow through with that privilege.
On to the science fair!
In so many ways the Lord had shown us his favor with this event. He opened up the doors which brought the right connections to us. We were blessed with amazing sponsors, awesome judges and a great location.
I have the privilege of working beside an amazing woman of God who really complimented my own working style. She fills in those areas where I am weak and I carry on in the areas she does not enjoy. Isn't neat how He directs everything. He is interested in everything we do. He is interested in the details.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:5
From the beginning this was His science fair. It was a chance to bring science back in the eternal perspective, back to the focus of the creation reflecting the beauty of the Creator. This was a great chance to give home schooled students a platform to shine for Jesus and learn about this marvelous earth that He made.
So I am just excited today to share the fun with you. We had an amazing day. We met some wonderful people. We watched some of the most talented and intelligent young people share something they learned. And the best part.. we were able to also reward them.. to enjoy the fruits of their labor and see them be honored before their peers.
Did I mention we had awesome sponsors and the best judges! We were so blessed at the connections the Lord wove into this event. I just want to give Him all the glory! It was truly His and I find that words are not adequate to convey the joy it was to be a part of something that He designed.
Here is a picture of my son's science fair project. He made 2 roller coasters: One ( pictured) out of K-Nex and the other was out of foam pipe insulation, tape, staples, a wooden frame and marbles. Pretty neat. He is my inventor.. not so much my researcher so I will be honest and say he didn't enjoy the researching process.. but he sure can build some amazing things. I've told him one day he will come up with an amazing invention that will be astonishing. He's the "Thomas Edison" type of kid... he'll make the world a better place by the things he makes for us all.
Our daughter, our youngest, did her experiment on Germs. :) Yep, germs. She wanted to know which soap/product worked best at removing the germs from your hands. She has become the quintessential hand-washing police in our house, reminding us to use warm water and wash for at least 20 seconds. She came up with a report on Louis Pasteur which tells us that this famous scientist basically saved our lives. Now.. picture a young dramatic girl with a flip of her hair and a tilt of her head and all the hand motions that follow. (I am biased, but she is pretty cute!) The results??? Guess what in her experiment Purell was the worst. She did conclude that because she was using "fake" germs and not real ones, there was nothing there to actually "kill". But in the course of her experiment she found it was not the best product.
We really had an great weekend. I am glad it is over, for now. Lots of work and we need a break but I am blessed to have been able to be a part of what God was doing.
You can check out my science fair website at www.ilregionalsciencefair.com. I am thrilled with how well it went and the way the Lord worked it out for His glory.
Blessings to you!
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