Candy, candy everywhere...

Last night was the youngest lamblet's science fair. She and Grizzled had put together an awesome "Ultra-Simple Electric Generator". Aside from the worry caused by the fact that Grizzled went hog-wild when buying the magnets (they were so freaking strong, he could barely get them apart, even when attempting to slide them), all went well. We did notify the teacher not to put our lamblet's project right next to the computer or other electronics and as far as I can tell, no one with a pacemaker walked past.

All in all, the science fair seemed to be a success. I did notice 3 other "Ultra-Simple Electric Generators" although none of them had magnets as big as Grizzled's... There was the usual smattering of "what happens when you mistreat plants" displays. Some kids grew crystals. I always like those. I think my favorite (don't tell my lamblet) was the Guinea Pig Maze! Yes, there was an adorable guinea pig named Kenny and you had to offer Kenny a variety of foods to see which would get him to move most effectively through the maze. I didn't give a hoot about the maze, but Kenny was adorable. He was also one of the longest guinea pigs I had seen in awhile. Grizzled though he looked more like a football.

What I didn't realize is that the "Kenny Project" would more or less foreshadow the entire science fair. Not only was Kenny being offered treats to move through the maze, but the visitors (mainly children) were being offered candy to move through the fair. I mentioned this phenomenon last year. Kids would often try to do an experiment that included candy so that more children would come to their booth. Well, now it seems candy doesn't have to have anything to do with the experiment... it's merely there as a draw. Yep, I saw big tubs of bubble gum and Nerds and Smartees set up right next to experiments that had nothing to do with them. Apparently a few kids were even handing out small toys.

Let me just say... WTF??? When did a science fair become all about candy or what toys you could get? Can an event not go by without a goody bag or a handout? I'm all for making an interesting display. I'm all for incorporating an alluring outcome, but to just have handouts so someone will walk past your booth? I thought it was sad.

Lord knows I've succumbed to goody bag pressure in my day, but I think I'm done. I'm for letting the event be all about the event, not what you can get... unless the event happens to be about candy. Pinko, I should have my Chocolate Skittles in a couple of days!

Comments

[blue girl]

Too bad that kids' science fairs have turned into little trade shows.

Jennifer, Blue Girl Marketing specializes in trade show goodies. Next year, hire us! And you'll have the most awesome stop at the whole dang place.

The lamblet can have her own logo and everything!

Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

I'll give you a big discount!

[Brando]

Is there a way to incorporate some kind of electroshocking with the candy? For the science value as well as the entertainment value?

[fish]

The lamblet can have her own logo and everything!

M&M's with little lambs on them.

[Pinko Punko]

Pass out chocolate skittles in protest. Trust me, you'll send a message!

[Kathleen]

none of them had magnets as big as Grizzled's...

15 inches vs. 13 inches?

[Jennifer]

And... Kathleen wins the "who comments first on the size of Grizzled's magnets??"!!

At least you didn't bring your tawdry pancakes into the play! :)

Pinko- I like that idea! FYI- my Skittles are winging their way to me as we speak! Let's home UPS delivers my two teeny-tiny packages asap! I still can't believe I did that.

[fish]

I still can't believe I did that.

Another sentence I have said way too many times in my life.

[The Uncanny Canadian]

Today it's candy, tomorrow it's bikinis. Just be thankful it is still candy.