Science Fair.

Over the last three weeks I've been working with my kids on science fair projects. The genius in me decided to let the nine different groups work on nine different projects. Of course, I had to help them run all the experiments and collect the data and do the research and put the boards together and all of that other stuff. I thought I was going to kill myself or someone else at many points during the last few weeks.

The results came in today, and the top 3 finishers in 4th grade were all from my class. Second place for the whole school was from my class too!

The third place team was two of my most difficult boys. One of them is the kid that keeps getting suspended, that I drove home after school for months, that bit me once, hit me a few times, and learned all of the multiplication songs a week after I taught them.

The second place student was the kid that I took to the library after school and got him a library card. I've tutored him at his house when he's been sick, and I know his whole family.

The first place team was three more of my difficult boys. During the whole time we worked on their project (What type of exercise will make your heart beat fastest?) they kept complaining that their project - and science - is stupid. When they found out they won today, they were so out of control happy. When I kept the three of them after school because of other behavior issues, one told me that they couldn't have done it without me, and that they were going to give me some of their cash prize. Another said, "I told you guys that Mr. Lyu would find something that was good for us to do." I asked them if I've ever steered them wrong, and one of them told me no, that I always care about them.

It was a pretty rough day, but I'll take that.