Susan Mess Proves Why Everyone Hates the Science Fair

Susan Mess's latest science fair project humorously titled "How Much Turmoil Does the Science Project Cause Families?" has struck a chord with many online. Presented on a bright yellow three-panel poster board, the project takes a satirical look at the stress science fairs impose on families. This colorful and playful presentation uses thick, colorful markers to outline its findings, mimicking the chaotic nature of these endeavors.

The central panel of the board features the title in large red letters for emphasis. Beneath it, the "Results" section showcases a graph with "time" on the x-axis and a wavy curve indicating levels of "Yelling" and "Crying" over time. Key points along the curve, such as "due date," highlight increased stress levels. The statistics are humorously alarming: "75% of kids cry," "90% of parents yell," and "An average of 1.5 hrs of family time is sacrificed."

The left panel, labeled "Materials," lists the essentials needed for such a project: "At least 1 Kid," "At least 1 grudging parent," "Half-baked idea of very dubious merit," and "Procrastination." It's a tongue-in-cheek nod to the often haphazard approach to these projects.

On the right panel, under "Findings," the project boldly declares, "Everyone HATES the science fair," with "HATES" written in large red text for added impact. At the bottom, "by Susan Mess" credits the creator of this relatable and amusing project.

Reactions from Reddit users reveal mixed feelings about science fairs. Some fondly recall the support of family members, like one user who made award-winning projects with their grandfather. Others express frustration over the heavy involvement required from parents, with one commenter lamenting, "I already completed school. I'm not interested in repeating any of it."

One user humorously noted the irony in "procrastination" being written in a different color, suggesting the marker was misplaced by the time it was added. Another pointed out a common critique: "Science fairs were cool imo but definitely biased toward the kids with good support at home."

Despite the playful criticism, Susan Mess's project resonates because it taps into a universal experience of stress and last-minute chaos. Whether loved or loathed, science fairs are a rite of passage filled with memorable, if not stressful, moments.

The project and the ensuing online discussion highlight the shared experiences and humorous frustrations of families everywhere, making Susan Mess's work a delightful and relatable commentary on this educational tradition.