Don't forget the dry ice, but if you do... it's probably okay

Part of a "thank you" letter from one of the 4th graders today.

This morning I had driven halfway to a school to give science presentations to the students when suddenly I realized I forgot the dry ice for the show.  Just before starting out I had checked the contents of the cooler to make sure the dry ice hadn't all sublimated overnight, and yet somehow I managed to leave it behind.  After pulling over I tried calling the teacher who booked the shows to see if she wanted to push them back a half hour, but I couldn't get ahold of her.  My only choice was to continue on.  Fortunately I was bringing four other demonstrations with me, so putting on a good show wasn't the problem.  What made me feel bad was that the teacher had specifically requested I do the demonstration featuring dry ice as part of the show.  Every once in a while some minor slip-up like this will happen, and I always feel awful.


So what happened when I got there?  Did the teacher and the principal run me out of the school?  Did the students boo and decide they would live a life without science education?  No.  Instead, the teacher and the principal were welcoming, excited to have me, and quickly put my fears at ease when I apologized.  The shows ended up going great.  Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun learning about air pressure, chemistry, and Newton's 1st law of motion.  The teachers even had their cameras out, taking photos of some of the best parts.

An illustration of me doing the Power of Air demo.

You might be wondering why I would want to write about how I made a mistake, even if it did work out in the end.  The point is that most of the time things do work out.  I little mistake like that doesn't mean the program is finished or that you've ruined your reputation.  I think it is best to apologize and then give 100% in your performance.  The teachers want you to succeed.  The students want you to succeed.  The principal wants you to succeed.  The odds are still in your favor. 

I look forward to performing at this school again next year, and even though I know they wouldn’t be upset, next time I won’t forget the dry ice.

Some of the students wrote “thank you letters.”  I’ve scanned some of them to share with you.

I love that this student included all threee layers of cups and saucers, and drew me with such an exciting pose.

If this doesn't warm your heart, what will?