I'm glad it worked out for you. I feel your panic somewhat, because last year DD told us everything was under control (and in a Montessori school, we expect to be hands off unless told otherwise--given that the current teachers are awesome). As DH and I are both biologists by training, we were somewhat taken aback (okay, shocked and dismayed) when we found out that DD's "science experiment" last year consisted of mixing together maple syrup, corn syrup, and molasses and seeing what happened. REALLY?!?!?!! (I think she chose this based on a) knowing what would happen and b) being able to lick her fingers during the work
Fortunately the teacher was cool about it being a total waste of everyone's time, and we just apologized for not having realized what was going on, and vowing to help DD do an actual experiment this year. So we've already been brainstorming, and are determined to have DD actually do what is intended this year. However, we did notice last year at the presentation that there was a very evident and wide distribution of parent involvement--which IMO is fine in this school, since the emphasis is on learning what an experiment is and how to evaluate one.
Anyway, sorry you had to scramble at the last minute! But I'm glad it worked out. And I'm impressed that you were trying to help the kids figure it out and also get it to work correctly! Good for all of you
