MIA...AWOL...AFK...Say it anyway you want, the Sci Fair Girl has been less than active lately. I'm ashamed to say it's been almost a year since my last blog post.
A lot has been going on for me, personally which has distracted me. I've moved from sunny central Florida to chilly central Connecticut. Settling into our new home has taken much longer than I expected. I'm happy to report that I AM BACK, I'm no longer going to let little things like my main computer in storage for over six months, major home remodels, and paperwork keep me away.
So back to the matter at hand. Science Fairs. I think students up north have a slight advantage, as the leaves turn colors, it is a visual reminder that as fall turns to winter, that the time until the science fair is slipping away. Also as the temperature drops, the desire to stay outside playing for just a little longer lessens as well.
How far have you gotten on your project? Do you have a question or invention nailed down? Have you started your log book? Checked the local library for some research? We all can get distracted by life - myself included. We all just need to remind ourselves to re-align our priorities and get back on track. Here are 5 ways to stay focused:
1. Set goals on your calender with a reminder, can be weekly or daily goals such as "finalize topic" or "contact subject matter expert"
2. Write a to-do list on a dry erase weekend board that you see every day, more difficult to forget with a constant reminder
3. Force yourself to complete one task for you project, such as reading one article, before you go play that video game or go out with your friends
4. Find a buddy, you don't have to do your projects together, but it's helpful to have a friend or parent to bounce ideas off of and keep you motivated
5. Initiate a reward system. Set milestones and assign little rewards such as a movie or extra hour of tv when you reach them
As always, feel free to email me if you need help with a particular issue, if you have a suggestion for a blog entry, or want to share your own project. I'm still here for all the science fair girl friends in Florida, and look forward to making new friends here in New England.
Until Next Time.
The Science Fair Girl
