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A. Einstein and science-fairs

In the matter of physics the first lessons should contain nothing but
what is experimental and interesting to see. A pretty experiment is in
itself often more valuable than twenty formulae extracted from our
minds.
- Albert Einstein
A Moszkowski, Conversations with Einstein, page 67, Horizon Press (1970)

Here's a thought: I wonder what Albert would think of contemporary
science fairs where "science demos" are banned, and the poor kids have to
twist their presentation into hypothisis/experiment/result, rather than
just replicating an odd phenomenon and then explaining how it works?

Kids are always wanting to use the demos on SCIENCE HOBBYIST as science
fair projects... but they have no idea of how to get them past their
teachers who insist that the demos be bent and distorted to adhere to the
mythical "Scientific Method" taught in grade school.

If a few hundred scientists signed a petition to end this practice,
perhaps science-fair organizers sit up and take notice?




((((((((((((((((((((( ( ( ( ( (O) ) ) ) ) )))))))))))))))))))))
William J. Beaty SCIENCE HOBBYIST website
billb@eskimo.com http://www.amasci.com
EE/programmer/sci-exhibits science projects, tesla, weird science
Seattle, WA 206-781-3320 freenrg-L taoshum-L vortex-L webhead-L