Joey Robinson
Sixth Grade
C.T. English Middle School

Synopsys Essay

At first I thought that doing my science project would be boring. I later learned that I was very wrong. My experiment, Transforming the Trebuchet, was enjoyable for me in a number of ways. I will not be able to tell you all of the ways in just 500 words, but here are some.

The first way that this experiment was enjoyable was that I got to work with a friend. It is more interesting to work problems out with a partner than trying to do it by yourself, because we get both of our points of view. Also, I think the process of testing and recording data would have gotten very redundant if we couldn't have switched jobs. Finally, by working with a partner, we could make ourselves more autonomous and did not need the help of parents. I think I would have had too many jobs to do by myself if I had worked alone, so I may have needed parent help. These are the ways working with a partner improved this project for me.

The second way that science projects are fun is actually doing the project itself. I like to learn, but just listening to a lecture sometimes can be boring, and my mind may wander to the book I'm reading or what my cat might be doing at home. In a science experiment, however, you learn at your own pace through your own curiosity. That means your mind won't wander. It is also better to be able to see and feel the project instead of just having to think about it during a possibly monotonous lecture. In a science experiment you also learn organization and other important skills required to perform complicated tasks. This is how doing the actual science project is more fun than listening to a possibly mundane lecture.

The third way that this project was exciting for me was in presenting it to other people. It's nice to get to know the judges to whom you are explaining the project. Also, it made me feel like I was a teacher, and I knew more than the audience did. I liked that. Even though I initially thought presenting the same science experiment over and over could get boring, once I realized that I was teaching people new things, I didn't get bored at all. Instead, I had the feeling that I was helping my community. This is why I enjoyed presenting my science project.

Overall, the science project has been a great experience. I have hands-on experience working with a friend, doing the project, and then presenting it. If I could, I would do another science project right away. I already have a few ideas for next year's project and may start working on them this summer.