CSF - Connecticut Science Fair

We woke up bright and early (some of us brighter and earlier than others) and were all at the Convention Center by 9:15am to add the large pile of binders to our project apparatuses. (A special thanks to Mr. Mostransky for helping Anna with her binders... they are seemingly endless). After the binders were all set and we double-checked the violations list to make sure we were not on it (whew!), we took some time (ok, fine, more time) to check out the competition. Of course, we were not fazed and are more ready than ever for the exciting prospect of sharing our research over and over again during judging tomorrow. With any luck, Thursday's and Friday's newsletter sections on award ceremonies will display that our confidence was warranted.

Nobel Laureates and Shopping

No, we didn't go shopping with the seven Nobel Laureates that are attending ISEF this year but we did go shopping. While Stephen and Sophie cut their shopping spree and ice skate short to attend the Nobel Laureate panel, Christine and Rob decided to finish out the afternoon with a screening of 'Man on Fire' starring Denzel Washington. Those who attended the panel found it to be interesting and intellectually stimulating while those who went to the movies decided on a rating of 'Two Thumbs Up'.

Preparation

Then we all returned to home base, room 307 at the Inn at the Convention Center, to prepare. Preparation is something that is not a science, but an art. As Mr. Wisner has said time and again: "You want to practice, but not sound practiced". With Mr. Wisner as our Artist-in-Charge and the other adults flanking him, we began to boil our poster-based talks down to a two-minute introduction/summary which artistically led into the remainder of our talk and allows for several interruptions (by ISEF judges) that have been promised to us.

The Dinner of Drums

At 5:30pm we departed for the Convention Center again for the 'Welcoming Event' not to be confused with yesterday's 'Welcoming Ceremony'. Sponsored by Applied Materials, it included several artistic acts; unfortunately, no preparation artists were available, but they did have local dancers and musical performers from a Portland high school for the performing arts, as well as other performers that brought us the native dances of Ghana.

Party from the 70's

It is now 9pm and we have all returned from the party (yes, they let us stay out this late) The party featured enormous inflatable obstacles courses, arcade-style video games and a mini-version of the Portland Saturday Market.
While the fun and games were enjoyable, there was also a dance floor with a live 70's-style band. Now that the music has died down and the obstacles have been avoided, the five of us are getting pep-talks from the chaperones and we are reviewing our material for 'game day' tomorrow.

There is no shame in losing, but there is all the glory in triumph.
Remember the Titans.

Authored by Rob Sobelman and Christine Persampieri