An Alternative Science Fair

Our popular culture is sending some unusual messages about what’s important these days.

The Kitsap Sun reported that a group of second and third graders in Kitsap County, Washington recently spent several hours outside at a local park and recreation area, counting piles of dog waste as part of their science curriculum.

Since “Kitsap dogs produce roughly 11 tons of waste per day,” the failure of dog owners to scoop the poop has apparently led to some unpleasant collections in public areas. This prompted the county’s Public Works Department to install warning signs in parks and other favorite dog walking sites. The young students were assigned to mark each display of dog poop to see if the new signage had made a difference.

They will conduct a total of six counts. Figures compiled by the young students will be used to judge whether or not the signs are working.

Deborah Lambert writes the Squeaky Chalk column for Accuracy in Academia.

Deborah Lambert