[Daisy]

Have the 26 kids bring some of their friends in. Think of it this way: if every kid has to bring in one friend, you have a team of 52. Have different teachers from the math and science departments at your school recommend kids to join the team, and speak directly to them, rather than having a mass meeting.

I'd also recommend having the principal come to one of your meetings so that he can get more acquainted with the team and see the dedication of the members for himself. Maybe if he sees that a smaller group of students works more efficiently together (because 50 is a lot of kids. That is a HUGE team), he'll lower the number.

Good luck,

Daisy