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I'm Not Sure This Is A Good Thing
Wed Sep 22 2004

When I was in high school, I had all my required classes that I took and in some cases struggled to make a passing grade. Of all the classes the only thing done outside of class time was homework.

The twins came home with their "homework" package for science recently. In order for them to get a passing grade in Science, they are required to take part in the school science fair.

Now, I don't know if my school was unusual in that we weren't required to take part in this, or if their school is unusual in that they are required to take part in this. I'm finding it objectionable for selfish reasons of my own. Parent participation is spelled out in the package as being required. I'm having enough problems keeping up with my own homework, and until my class is over I'm not sure when I'm going to help them with theirs. Hubby isn't really home enough to be much of a help to them, although I suppose I could suggest to him that he give the support until I'm done with my class. Depending on his mood and which way the wind is blowing, as well as whether or not he has any trips coming up he forgot to tell me about he should be able to render some assistance.

I'm also questioning this requirement from another point of view. While we are lucky in that the kids don't have to contribute to our income, I do know some families in which the kids have to work and contribute to the family. How are these kids supposed to find the time to do quality work for this? I am sure there are the Bart Simpson's out there who will try to convince people that a burp in a jar is a legitimate science fair project. I'm not seeing those go over any better in real life than they would on TV.

5 Comments
  • From:
    Pinkspiritlady (Legacy)
    On:
    Wed Sep 22 2004
    Both my kids had to do science fairs only they were in grade school when they did that. Get those big cardboard tri fold presentation boards. THey have them at Office Max. Then have the kids make computer graphics and text about their experiment to display on the board. Somewhere here we have a giant book full of experiments. I can try to find it if you need ideas. PJ did one on his rock collection and "HOW ROCKS ARE FORMED"
    Another kid did one about why frogs are becoming deformed. You can usually find a frog missing one leg or with legs in unusual places.
  • From:
    Pragmatist (Legacy)
    On:
    Wed Sep 22 2004
    It's a fact that kids who have parents who are active in PTA, help with homework, volunteer in classrooms, and all the other "parent participation" activities, usually do better in school. However....

    It's also a fact that many parents (like you) just simply don't have the time for all those activities, and the school should recognize the realities of the world as it is. When I was in school, any projects were strictly student responsibilities. We were told that getting help from parents was cheating. When did all that change?

    I think parents need to be aware of what homework their kids have, and check it over to make sure it's done. I see no problem with pointing out a sloppy job, or an error, but to ask parents to participate in a clearly student-related project is just not right.

    There. I've had my say.

    Shalom
  • From:
    InStitches (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 23 2004
    I have done a bit of ranting on this one myself. It is becoming quite common for teachers to impose homework on parents. The only explanation I have ever been given is that they think it is nice when parents and children have opportunities to work together. Evidently they have decided that too many parents just don't spend enough time with their children so they in their infinate wisdom are going to rectify it as their little contribution to social engineering. They are absolutely dumbfounded when I am not as thrilled as they and thus I am labeled uncooperative.

    I have never encountered this at the high school level though. It seems odd that the teacher would not be expecting more from his students. Personally I think he is way out of line and needs a little reminder as to the realities of life.

    If you think this is fun, wait until you encounter the famous Group Projects. Oy!
  • From:
    Salamander (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 23 2004
    Well, if you need any back-up help with the projects, I'll be glad to assist if I can.
  • From:
    Salamander (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 23 2004
    I'm in a rush now, but I'll try and leave you some links tonight, after I get out of work. Animal cells (especially abnormal ones) are easy. I haven't delved into plants much, but I've got a few ideas of where to look.