Solution For Gadget

This was the second year for Max to offer a tantalizing science fair project to Escuela San Francisco.

Little sister Sofia also shared in the glory of a win! Sara also participated this year as the Pre-Kindergarten winner. In Costa Rica Pre-K is called Materno. Sara build a Kaleidoscope with some odds and ends around the house using an old Pringles can, some sparkling jewels and a broken mirror, with my help of course.

Max also utilized a Pringles can to build a telescope for his 1st grade entry, but his supply list was a bit larger, needing 2 magnifying glasses called lupas to build a 30x magnifying image. Many of the kids took turns trying to spot an image and exhibitors and onlookers alike took a chance to browse the floor testing all the projects. The wind was blowing down all the boards, making for a fun-filled game of chase the project. I found out after the presentation that not all students were required to do a science project, but they were encouraged. I am so glad we did this again this year because Max and Sara both learned many things from the point of construction to the finished product. They learned about stars and constellations, they learned about reflection and light. They learned that when you do a project with a Pringles can, you get to eat all the Pringles first :) and they learned that things like Pringles cans should not be thrown away because recycling can also mean re-purposing. 

All the kids at the school had impressive projects. They made a rocket out of baking soda. The 3rd graders made a windmill and calculated the power derived with a small light bulb, my favorite. There was Newtonian putty, the epic volcano and chemicals flying! There was even a rocket.  Many offered great information and displays, but Max and Sara as a few of the youngest definitely need to work on their microphone skills because they both clammed up when it was time to explain their projects to the school. Hopefully they will learn to overcome the shyness with all the civics and arts and dancing available at the school on a monthly basis.

If your child is shy, Costa Rica is a wonderful place to send them to school because they practice a wide range of culture within the schools, allowing the kids to really break out of their shells and immerse in the culture, arts and sciences. At the end of the science fair, each kid received a gift and cake! Another great day! Pura Vida!