Every time one of the kids comes home with the dreaded form which they have to populate with an outline for their annual Science Fair project, my wife and I get a pit in our stomach. Let’s face it, a science project becomes a family project. I can’t imagine we’re alone in feeling that way. Now don’t get me wrong, we’re not anti-science. Let me take that back, I’m not anti-science, my wife on the other hand, well…

First, consider what aspect of science does catch your childs fancy. If your child likes some drama and action, then a volcano kit would be a perfect introduction to Science workshop. A volcano-construction and demonstration kit is not only a great learning tool, but above all, it is incredible fun for a child to see the lava bubbling out.

I went for a wonderful walk up a canyon containing fresh drinkable water. I call it my Zen walk. In 1982 I saw a perfect blue green geometric form floating with me. When I do this walk alone I wear old tennis shoes and sometimes walk barefoot. I shut my eyes and imagine (and feel as cold water shocks my system) the star filled universe surrounding me. And sustaining us and all that is. I look up and see the top of giant pine trees and hovering floating above that a beautiful Hawk circling gliding in wind currents amidst the blue of the sky in the cool green primeval forest. Sound of roaring water.

Lots of stories have already been written. When you are creating your story, do something new. If you are unable to come up with an original story, then try putting a new and interesting twist on an old story. The key to engaging your reader is to make sure he or she has never read anything like your story before.

Take your children to such places as zoos, aquariums, Science workshops for Secondary schools centers, and planetariums…etc. It is great and fun way to get children interested in science.

So how do you get started? A great place to begin is with the ABC’s of CNC video. This two hour long DVD takes you through the entire CNC workflow… starting with the basics of machine designs, G Code, CAD and CAM software, and finally through the actual cutting process. You’ll see sample parts start as a design, sketched on a napkin, taken through CAD software, and on to the Computer Assisted Machining (CAM) software where the actual cutting paths to make the part are created. The output from the CAM program then goes to the actual machine controller, which converts the digital information into actual motion… to cut the part.

Whatever you write about you can fill in the parts you don’t know with research. Sometimes what you haven’t experienced can be a major part of the story.

The main thing is that you have fun with your kids. I think I actually enjoy doing a Science Experiment more than the children. It’s really good quality time and I usually take the opportunity to talk about something different, out of the ordinary. We don’t get much time with our kids with our busy schedules, sports, activities, etc. As much as I talk a big game about trying to get it done quickly and out of the way, when the nest is empty, I will miss the science project.