Catherine Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 My ds, 11 and in sixth grade, did a project last year and loved it. This year, our science focus is Astronomy and Geology. He has announced he doesn't like geology, and it seems an astronomy project isn't really possible. So he wants to do another one with a similar, neurology\biology focus like last year. Isn't the point to try different disciplines? How would you persuade a reluctant scientist? Or should I just go with the flow and do *something*. He's only in sixth grade after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 With a 6th grader, I'd have him do whatever he is interested in! He will be able to learn a lot about science by doing any project he is passionate about - I see more benefit in the passion than in trying to hit every field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 We don't insist on a new topic every year. Even with the same project, the child can go more in depth or check out more variables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysalis Academy Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I would never, never, never ask a kid to do a science project on a topic that didn't interest them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewelma Posted February 6, 2013 Share Posted February 6, 2013 My ds, 11 and in sixth grade, did a project last year and loved it. This year, our science focus is Astronomy and Geology. He has announced he doesn't like geology, and it seems an astronomy project isn't really possible. So he wants to do another one with a similar, neurology\biology focus like last year. Isn't the point to try different disciplines? How would you persuade a reluctant scientist? Or should I just go with the flow and do *something*. He's only in sixth grade after all. I am so glad your ds enjoyed his project last year. And I agree with you that astronomy isn't really possible, and I agree with him that geology is boring! (shhhh don't tell anyone). I do not think that the point is to try different disciplines (although it is a bonus if a student does). I think the point is to understand the scientific method. If this is only his second project, I am guessing that even if he did a project very similar to last year, that it would reinforce what he learned. Designing and implementing a scientific investigation is difficult and complicated-- repetition is a good thing. Perhaps this year he could be more independent on designing his own methods. If you want, you could suggest choosing a project that lends itself to collecting data in a different way. So if he did microscope work last year, he could do survey work this year, but still stick with the same general field of science. But it is definitely not necessary. I agree with the pp that he needs to be excited about what he is doing. If he already knows what he wants to study, then go for it! Passion is a powerful motivator. You really do not want to push him into something he is not interested in. Ruth in NZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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