It all starts with poster board.
Getting mom to drive to the drug store to load up on the thick flimsy is a great start to a great project. Grab a sheet of white, a sheet of neon pink, and if you’re lucky one of those thick cardboard three-folds. Come on, we both know that cardboard added some scientific integrity to your research — the seventh grade equivalent of getting your work published in The New England Journal of Awesome.
Now, it doesn’t end there. Next you’re grabbing markers, spray paint, baking soda, and Styrofoam. Once you’ve got everything together you’re rushing home and getting down to science, people. The carpeted corner of the unfinished basement becomes your lab and it’s time to spend hours putting on lab coats, staring into microscopes, and pour bubbling green liquids into beakers. Also, taping.
Come on and let’s count down some classics:
6. The solar system. Jabbing those spray-painted Styrofoam balls with a straightened out coat hanger is a truly great feeling. As is painting a splotchy brown Australia on Earth and a big eye on Jupiter. If you want to go the To Scale route, remember to leave Pluto at home.
5. Volcano. There are two types of eruptions. First, there’s the Underwhelming Fizz — where you stare deep into the mouth of the fiery beast only to witness some rock-hard hunks of baking soda floating in a pool of strong-smelling vinegar. It’s disappointing, but you can always try again and hope for a Superblow — where everyone stares with wide-eyes as red ooze bubbles and slides down your carefully painted volcano onto the GI Joe townspeople below.
4. The one the kid’s parents obviously did. Also known as robbing your child of the thrill of scientific discovery in exchange for a B+.
3. Growing something. Whether it was lima beans or patches of fresh grass, it was a a classic move to study Sunlight vs. Shadows, Music vs. No Music, or Watering Plants vs. Pouring Coke On Them.
2. Coke is bad. Speaking of Coke, did you have that kid who left a tooth or some nails sitting in it for a month? The groundbreaking research typically concluded with a harsh indictment of the entire soda industry. And maybe a business card for the kid’s dad who was a dentist.
1. The one that didn’t work. Every science fair had a few of these gems. They were sad and beautiful at the same time. Because that down-faced ten year old standing in front of a dim lightbulb was learning how to deal with lost efforts and how to get back their drive after a fall. Keep that chin up, tiger. You’ll get ’em next time.
Yes, beautiful science fair moments were always a perfect close to months of hallway passion, energetic teachers, and long lonely nights cutting construction paper letters with pinking shears. Letting kids learn, letting kids dream, letting kids try and try and try — well, there’s just so much good that comes of that.
As they bottle insects, jab battery wires into lemons, and rub magnets together, you can see the whirring gears spinning with delight. Yes, all that learning just sponges, soaks in, and sticks there forever as the next generation of curiosity seekers tease their buzzing minds forward and forward and forward…
AWESOME!
Pre-order The Book of Awesome
Photos from: here
When you haven’t checked your favorite website in a few days, and it’s like a gold mine of updates.
Making every green light the day you’re running late for work.
You’ve already prepared yourself for the inevitable — starting thinking of excuses to tell your boss and even considered just running by Starbucks if you’re going to be late anyway — when suddenly you realize you have flown through every green light in one of the busiest areas of downtown and you actually might make it in time. You step on the gas pedal as your hope builds and the next thing you know you’re walking in with the rest of them just in the knick of time…
AWESOME.
Thinking it’s Sunday when it’s really only Saturday.
There’s still another free day to do whatever you want before you go back to school!
AWESOME!
putting in a quarter in a gum ball machine and getting 2 pieces of gum!
nuff said
It’s like getting two candy bars from the vending machine! Love it!
One for you, one for your friend!
That’s like putting money in a gum ball machine/vending machine and getting the gum, candy, or soda but ALSO getting your money back! Or when the machine gives back more in change than what you originally paid! AWESOME!
Seeing the UPS man on your street close to your birthday
When I was little, I thought every UPS truck was bringing me presents, no matter the time of year. December usually proved a big let down, as the neighbors were getting all their Christmas presents in addition to me. But come the weeks before my birthday, more often than not, that brown truck would be stopping outside 6905 and I’d be sure to be the first person to greet Mr. UPS Driver. Delivery for Laura? AWESOME!
The first time you get a passport…I can tell you I just got mine and it is 1000% AWESOME!
When Monday goes by without a hitch. It’s over almost before you can remember that it began. Now, that’s
AWESOME!!
The day before a national holiday
Sure, holidays themselves are great but can often be burdened by the stress of present-giving and crazy families.
But the day before the national holiday is full of anticipation and freebies, no matter how old you are.
In elementary/middle/high school – Many teachers will use that as a movie/craft day
In college – Most professors will give you a free pass if you don’t show up to class . In fact, most of my professors would unofficially cancel class the day before Thanksgiving.
At work – If you’ve got nice bosses, they’ll announce somewhere between noon and 2 that everyone can leave for the day and get a jump start on the holiday.
Laughing. Laughing until you can’t breathe, your stomach hurts, you’ve collapsed on the floor, and there are tears in your eyes.
Meeting someone who has the same name as you. I’ve only met 4 or 5 “Mara”s in my life, and let me tell you, meeting another one is just awesome.
If you have a really common name (John, Matt, Sarah, etc.) it’s still awesome, because then you can spend your class time mixing up the teacher.
I concur!
The internet.
Have you seen the thing? Obviously, that’s a rhetorical question. Without the Internet, hundreds of things we’ve come to rely on (E-mail, online shopping, facebook, google, wikipedia, 1000 Awesome Things) would not exist. Instead of finding online resources for your final paper, you’d end up stuck in the library, scouring books for hours. Contacting friends and new aquaintences would be far more difficult. Learning about random interesting things would happen far less often. And let’s face it – could any of us survive without out daily dose of awesome?
One more – Talent shows!!
Talent shows give the participants a chance to show off what they’ve got! Of course there are always the uncomfortable moments when little Billy forgets half the words to “Hey Jude,” but it’s always worth it when he pulls through at the chorus with a big smile on his face, and leaves the stage with a sweeping bow.
Awesome!
Logging into a computer and typing your username and password really fast without messing up!
It’s like my fingers are possessed by the speediest typer ever!
http://1000awesomethings.com/2009/12/17/611-typing-in-your-username-and-password-at-the-speed-of-light/
Walkin down the street with a song in your head. Gives you that extra pep-in-your-step to get through your morning commute, that long walk to class or the corner deli at lunch.
Or when you walk down the street and a car has the radio bumpin’ your favorite song. Just makes the day a little better! :)
Take a nap after lunch!
Awesome!
Bright sunny days are the greatest! It can be cold outside, but as long as the sun is out I think people walk a little slower, stop and enjoy the sights more, and are generally just happier. Awesome!
I think 1000Awesomethings.com is pretty awesome and should be an awesome thing itself. when you look at the number of responses and views of this site it’s easy to tell that this site has an effect on people.
I love it when I get a package in the mail with an item that I’ve forgotten I’ve ordered. AWESOME!
Smile to someone on the street for no reason and get the smile back!
When you get on the bus and there’s only one place avaiable…and it is yours!!
Awesome!!!
Having the first pair of jeans you try on fit perfectly!
Now, I hate shopping, especially for jeans. There are So. Many. Different. Styles. Straight leg, boot cut, stretchy, curvy, flare, low rise, long, you name it. And in one brand I’ll fit one size, and another I’ll be an entirely different size.
But when you waltz into a store, expecting to spend more time than you would like and grab a pair of jeans off the rack and head over to the fitting rooms and they magically slide right on, and fit perfectly?
Now that’s AWESOME!
A brand new box of Cheez-its (insert any favorite cracker or chip) is AWESOME. The crackers are so fresh and crunchy that first time the box is opened.
Sun spots.
When its not quite as warm as you want it to be inside but the sun just happens to leave a circle of warmth on the end of your bed or on your favorite chair for you to curl up on.
Perfection.
Salt. It enhances flavor with just one dash.
AWESOME.
Flavor is just one of salt’s many amazing uses! It makes Pepper look like the red-headed step child of the “on-table seasoning pair”..
http://1000awesomethings.com/2009/02/13/salt/
Huh. The slug for that post doesn’t have an “830-” in front of it. I am shocked. And I feel accomplished for noticing! Yay?
Eating something you dropped on the floor without anyone noticing either things.
You’ve got to be quick about it.. ;)
http://1000awesomethings.com/2008/12/15/874-the-five-second-rule/
The 1st 5min of laying in bed after the subway, car, and walk home from a great but exhausting night out.
Realizing that’s that we’re more alike than different.
Look how much AWESOME stuff we all love and we can’t tell each other’s religions, races, nationalities, colo(u)r, age, gender, etc.
Seeing someplace you’ve been in a movie or on TV
Granted, if you live in New York or Paris or somewhere commonly filmed, it might happen more often, but it still gives you that indirect feeling of being connected to something famous. My hometown was featured on the Daily Show one time, which was one of the coolest things ever. And watching Enchanted after I’d actually visited New York was way more interesting.
Because nothing beats that moment of recognition–that “Hey! I’ve BEEN there!” realization. AWESOME!
The 1st time I visited NY I was BLOWN AWAY by how much it looked like TV (not the other way around, of course).
I started watching CSI: New York after I visited the city, because I missed it, and the show made me feel like I was there again.
Then some jerk told me they don’t even film it in New York and spoiled it. But I still like the show. Even if it’s fake.
YUP! “Jumper” was filmed on my college campus!
Awesome…When the editor gives you an email saying that he likes your comments and wishes you have a wonderful weekend.
The first kiss.
‘Cause you’ll never have another first.
so, this only applies to about 11 percent of the world, but i think being left-handed is extremely awesome. i wrote my college essay about it. you just feel incredibly special, especially when you’re in a room full of right-handers..except for you.
and it’s also awesome when someone looks at you and says, “you’re left-handed?! that’s so cool!”
:D
Not so great when you’re trying to not smudge your writing, but it can be managed! I’m actually ambidextrous, but I primarily write and play mini-golf with my left hand, and do everything else with my right.
Awesome!
Finding good food in the fridge that you forgot you bought! You wake up the morning after a marathon grocery store trip, stumble sleepily into the kitchen begrudgingly prepared to choke down yet another bowl of that slightly-stale cereal you bought LAST time you went grocery shopping when LO AND BEHOLD brand-spanking-new food! Fresh, unopened, waiting there just for you. AWESOME!
Being called by your last name.
Not only does it feel so personal, it’s pretty unique to you. Sure, if your last name is Smith, Jones, or Murphy, you’re not exactly uncommon, but there still is some sort of thrill to hear someone shout out your last name to address you.
AWESOME!
That person who wrote all over your textbook the year before you get it
It’s the start of a new school year: new classes, new desks, new students, new clothes. New books… except for your textbook, of course. No, the book the teacher handed you (“Geometry I, for Enjoyment and Challenge”) looks like its latest owner was a lawnmower rather than a student.
A very, very studious lawnmower.
Grumbling, you write your name in the front cover and open it to the first page of homework. You’re stuck on problem 17 (If the perimeter of rectangle ABCD is 2x+3y where x=4y-17, find the length of CD in terms of x.) when you realize that the last owner of your book left more than just tooth marks… can it be? It is! They’ve started the work for you! Enlightened, you finish the problem and close your textbook.
A studious lawnmower indeed.
AWESOME!
Sounds like the Half-Blood Prince to me! :)
Coloring completely within the lines.
Not a stray mark in sight, not a random red mixed with a pale blue..nope. You colored this picture exactly the way you meant to and the cleanliness to it is just so AWESOME!
When the give you crayons at a restaurant to color on the paper tablecloth even though you’re not a little kid anymore :)
my grandparents had a small basket filled with crayons. and to this day the smell of crayons reminds me of old times.
One Hit Wonders.
Sure, they may not have the skill to dole out chart-topping singles one after the other, but they sure have the talent to create an incredibly catchy song that stays in everyone’s heads forever.
You may wonder, “Who sings that song again? I don’t remember their name..” But you do remember the melody. And the words. And just about everything else.
Because one hit wonder songs create a lasting impact on the music industry, despite the not well-known artist behind it.
But hey, those artists do get some credit. Channels such as VH1 tend to count down the best one hit wonders, and these artists get their name out there for having such a title.
They may have only gotten one great song out there, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are
AWESOME!
Well-written. It’s funny how you can’t really recall who sang that one song you’ve known your entire life. I still don’t know who wrote “Who Let the Dogs Out?”. o.o
thank you! and for the record, the baha men sing it :)
seriously though, i usually can recall information about music really well, but when it comes to one hit wonders…nope. i always forget their name!
The first breath of air after being underwater for a long time. Whether diving for rings in a pool, tumbling in an ocean wave, or doing handstands in a lake, you’ve been down too long and your lungs start to ache… you look up and can see the light above you in the water… almost there… BAM you reach the surface and gasp that huge, first, wonderful breath. AWESOME!
Opening the door of a bathroom stall and finding it’s clean as a whistle.
Which also reminds me why janitors are also
AWESOME!
When you don’t scare a bird away xD
Every morning, I ride my bike past a pond. Every morning, I see ducks. And for some reason, I love it when they are sitting on the road, see me coming, and just move themselves a few feet so I can safely pass. They never get scared or fly away.
Getting a surprise package from home! Nothing tops coming home from a long day at school and seeing that a box on the kitchen table with your name on it – sent with love from your little brother or sister who lives hundreds of miles away :)
Families are awesome!
the smell of rain. or the sound of rain.
mmmmmmm.
awesome!
when you and your friend are both thinking of the same thing and then realize you’re both thinkin of the same thing and don’t even have to say it. it’s like telepathy.
awesome!
When you get an unexpected letter in the mail from an old friend telling you that they were “thinking about you” – best feeling ever!
telling someone about a new song you love and then hearing back from them that it’s now their new favorite song.
feeling horrible, tired, and fed up with everything… and then having that one person come along and change everything.
teenage mutant ninja turtles.
cuz come on, we all watched them as kids.
awesome!
I always had a crush on Michelangelo when I was a kid. Don’t know why a 5 year old would have a crush on a turtle, but I did. I made the mistake of telling my husband about it and now everytime we see anything TMNT related, he says….”there’s your boyfriend.”
the smell of new shoes.
am i alone on this? i hope not. it’s like new car smell, but a lot cheaper.
awesome!
i dunno if this happens to anyone else, but sometimes when i’m really tired in the morning and have a class or lab or something, and i’ve passed the point of being mad and upset about being tired, i start finding EVERYTHING funny. it’s like im on laughing gas and every little tiny thing, that normally wouldn’t be funny at all, becomes the most hilarious thing i have ever seen.
jeez, what a lack of sleep will do to a person haha.
awesome!
This happens to me all the time! It’s so much fun though =P
Or you start realizing how ridiculous you are. I remember once as kids, my brother was driving me crazy with his whining about everything, so I finally said “M-a-a-r-k! Stop w-h-i-i-n-i-n-g” There was a second of silence when we realized that we were BOTH whining. Then we cracked up. It was awesome.
Realizing that at the end, everything will be alright.