When things go wrong.

So you've taken the steps, come up with questions, formed experiments, and even tested out your ideas, but the results you got make no sense at all. *GULP!* What do you do now?

When I taught at the university, I deliberately gave the students an experiment for which a conclusion did not exist. because the results were never the same twice. I did this for two reasons. first, to teach them never to cheat and lie about their results (they were given an immediate 'zero' without warning if they did "fudge" the results), and second. how to handle such a thing when it happens for real.

Over half the class got the "F".

However, they were allowed to "redo" the experiment for a half-grade, if they chose to. Most of them did. Now, why would I do such a thing?

No matter what happens in your experiment, in any experiment, keep in mind that your results stand, no matter what. The laws of the universe, the laws of physics are still working and active. regardless of how you wanted the experiment to turn out. By fudging your results, you can't really ever be sure if your conclusion stands, and you may as well throw away the entire experiment. But what do you do when you feel like you've tried everything, but it still doesn't work right?

Your greatest moments of thought happen in instances just like this one. One of the most important parts of being a true scientist is being an observer - being able to step back and ask, "What's really going on here? Why did the marble fly off the track? Was the marble going too slow or fast? Was the track too steep, or too wobbly?"

The truth is, you haven't tried everything, (even if it feels like you have!) because if you did, it would be working right now. But it isn't, so you haven't. It helps to write down what you have tried. and if you're keeping good records of your results, this is where you'll find the information.

You are a great scientist, no matter what results you produce in any experiment. The world will know how sharp you are, how ingenious your mind is when you are able to step back and observe what's really going on. while the rest of the world gets wrapped up with thoughts that cripple their creativity. "Why didn't it work? It's supposed to! It's broken. it'll never work. This is dumb."

When you get stuck, frustrated (hey, we all do!), or just upset, take a breath, go outside, and remember it's just one experiment. and you'll get back to it when you're ready. Smile, get an ice cream, and remember that there will always more to learn, and no, you'll never get it all done.

What's next? Click here to get your copy of the free Science Fair Project Starter Kit.

Testimonials

"Thank you for making science so fun and exciting! We have started watching the DVD about electricity and making robots and are working along. It's really great! My daughter has been into the life sciences -- gardening and animals and bugs. Now her interest is widening. As a home school mom I always appreciate someone, like you, who can broaden her horizons."

"I told my son he had to do his science lesson for just fifteen minutes each day, which was such a chore for him.

"One day I gave him this program. Three hours later, he made us late for an appointment because he couldn't tear himself away! He watched the videos over and over and built things I've never seen before. Thank you so much!!!"

~Barbara & Matt
Valencia, California

"Aurora spoke at a Cub Scout Pack 6 meeting a few months ago and totally "wowed" the boys who attended the meeting. It was amazing to hear them talk about her and their sudden interest in science. My husband, David Church, was equally impressed with her skills and presentations."

"First thing they said when they got home that night was, "Sign me up for all her camps, I love that teacher! My son and his buddies raved about you for days."

~Connie Hanretty Church, San Luis Obispo, California

"Thanks for coming to our school and doing a bang-up job on your rocketry presentation!  The students really loved it, had a ton of fun, and learned a lot."

~Jodi, Valley Oaks Charter School, Bakersfield, California 

"We just wanted to say THANK YOU for supercharging us at Valley Oaks Charter School.

"You were awesome and did an outstanding job with the experiments, presentations and putting it in kid friendly terms so they could understand. My kids now want to be rocket scientists!"

~Cynnde Lewis, Bakersfield, California

"We really enjoy your demonstrations. They are wonderful and we really loved the hovercraft you did today. Thank you for all that you are doing."

~Angela and her two youngest sons, Joseph and Kyle

"Jeremy is having SO much fun with everything - thank you all for the work & thought that has gone into the box & program!"

~Tracey Miller

"Thank you so much for coming out to do our science day. It was awesome! I have had parents contacting me all week to thank me for putting both presentations together. Actually you did all the work - thanks for making me look good!

You brought so much energy into our science program. Your presentation is inspiring, not to mention fun! You truly did inspire the young minds to think creatively about science.

Personally, my son Ryan has been doing some pretty creative thinking about his science project for our upcoming science fair. I am sure we will see many 'Aurora-inspired' entries this year!

Thank you again. My appreciation and just plain "awe" for how and what you do just can not be put into words.

Thanks again and again!"

~Lorraine Solomon, Coordinator

"My 13-year old son has not been interested in anything educational for a long time. This was the first time I saw a real spark of interest in his eyes. Thank you so much for your help in inspiring my son!"

~Ruth Ann,
Bakersfield, California

"Alex had a great time this summer in science camp. Thanks for the great experience!"

~Carol

"Thank you so much, I can't wait to begin using the Science Experiment Manual with my kids. They immediately did the rocket and began the robot.

"My youngest (10 years old) played with the robot all night and was explaining it to guests at dinner. Thanks for making science fun!"

~Mrs. Lopez

"I love it that I don't have to do a thing! I set my kids in front of the program, and later find them excited and working on something new they created themselves. This program is exactly what we needed!"

~Ursula, Santa Barbara, California

"You have been such a fun inspiration for our son Sam, and totally got him fired up to build, connect, explode, invent, test, create, discover, question...
and in a nutshell, get wildly excited about how our physical world behaves through experimentation. Thank you! Thank you! Thank joy!

"You're a blessing and huge contributor to the positive development of our kids' minds and passions. Thanks for all you do and all you are!"

~Jan, San Luis Obispo, California

"I wish I had known about you years ago! I got a science kit and my husband (who is an engineer and works on fighter planes), has been working with my kids since.

"He usually doesn't help my kids, but after watching the DVD, he went to the internet to look something up, then returned to us as said, 'Nope - I tried, but I like the way Aurora explains it best.'

"My kids haven't turned on the TV once this whole weekend - we're just doing experiments together and it's great!"

~Merilyn, Richmond, Virginia

"I am educating my 5y. old daughter and want to send you a big THANK YOU for all you do. Science was a subject I was a bit afraid to have to venture into. But with all your help it has been NO problem.
Thanks again!"

~Dee

"Thank you for truly inspiring my kids. They're so excited to learn more. We downloaded the book and are pouring over its contents. Yeah!!!!"

~Donna, Long Beach, California

"Thank you so much for the science lessons! I had such a great time and it is very fun to learn from someone so knowledgeable."

~Sean, age 12

"You are doing an awesome thing. From talking with many educating moms over the years, science is where we tend to lack in experience, and know how. Even though we find the experiments so much fun to do, we are intimidated by them. Thank you for all that you do."

~Allison A., Co-op

"The kids are enjoying the electricity projects, and my 12 year old has concluded that you know what you are talking about!"

~Tracey S.,
Orlando, Florida

"As a Chemical Engineer I started reading this manual and boy what a joy. You have simplified so much so well. The explanations are great too as they are put in very simple terms. I can't wait to share these with my students. Keep me in mind if you put another of these manuals together."

~Mary, California

"I purchased your Electricity & Robots Kit and my daughter loves it! Thank you!"

~Paula

"My son KJ is having SO much fun!! As soon as we got home he watched the Robots & Electricity Kit video, and has been watching it since. He loves all of the gadgets! Thank you for letting him work with you. He will never forget it."

~Sally, Long Beach, California, CHEA participant

"My son is LOVING the Electricity & Robotics Kit we bought from you, and we've already hit Radio Shack a couple of times to add some new things to try. Thank you!!!"

~Candi