Eighth Grader Bonds with Googly-Eyed 'Baby' in Class Project

Leading Edge student goes from creeped out to proud 'dad'

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:39pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a baby bottle repeated in a tight grid pattern, using vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday object into modern pop art.A whimsical pop art representation of the baby simulation project that has eighth graders at Leading Edge Academy bonding with their googly-eyed 'children'.Maricopa Today

An eighth grader at Leading Edge Academy in Maricopa, Arizona, named Isaiah Howard, initially felt creeped out by a two-week baby simulation project for his home economics class. However, after dressing up the googly-eyed 'baby' made of pantyhose, Styrofoam, and flour, Howard has grown attached to his new 'daughter' Penelope and has taken on the role of a proud 'dad', even bringing the baby to school in a stroller.

Why it matters

The baby simulation project at Leading Edge Academy is designed to give students a hands-on experience with the responsibilities of caring for a child. It also opens up discussions about important topics like teen pregnancy and family dynamics. The project has had a positive impact on some students, encouraging them to be more responsible and engaged in their schoolwork.

The details

The baby simulation project requires students to carry around and care for a 'baby' made of everyday household items like pantyhose, Styrofoam, and flour. Over the two-week period, students dress up their babies, bring them to school and appointments, and provide round-the-clock care. At the end, students write an essay reflecting on what they learned from the experience. The project was started by the school's Dean of Students, Tamara Washington, who wanted to offer it as an elective based on her own positive experience with a similar project growing up.

  • The baby simulation project began on March 30.
  • The project lasts for two weeks.

The players

Isaiah Howard

An eighth grader at Leading Edge Academy who initially felt creeped out by the baby simulation project but has since grown attached to his 'daughter' Penelope.

Marquetta Lusk

Isaiah Howard's mother, who found the googly-eyed 'baby' amusing at first but has seen her son take on the role of a proud 'dad'.

Heidi Baker

Isaiah Howard's home economics teacher, who is leading the baby simulation project for the second time at Leading Edge Academy.

Tamara Washington

The Dean of Students at Leading Edge Academy, who introduced the baby simulation project to the school's curriculum based on her own positive experience with a similar project growing up.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't know what it was. Honestly, it looked more like something that helps make a baby.”

— Marquetta Lusk, Isaiah Howard's mother

“I wasn't really into the thing. I just wanted to get it a onesie and then get it over with.”

— Isaiah Howard

“He was like, 'It's so creepy, Mom. I don't want to sleep with it; I don't want it in my room.' But today was her first day going to school, and he took her in a stroller. So, he was a dad today.”

— Marquetta Lusk, Isaiah Howard's mother

“It's not that creepy [anymore].”

— Isaiah Howard

“I think this is an amazing project. Maybe if I would have taken it a little more seriously when I was in school, maybe I wouldn't have had kids at a younger age.”

— Marquetta Lusk, Isaiah Howard's mother

What’s next

At the end of the two-week project, the students will write an essay to demonstrate what they learned and how their lives changed while caring for their 'baby'.

The takeaway

The baby simulation project at Leading Edge Academy is providing students like Isaiah Howard with a valuable hands-on experience in caring for a child, which is helping to foster responsibility and open up important discussions about topics like teen pregnancy. While some students may initially be hesitant or creeped out by the project, many end up bonding with their 'babies' and taking on the role of proud 'parents'.