Blog

Reason for the Seasons

The eighth graders' final unit of the year for science covered topics on the solar system. To begin, students learned about Earth's position in relation to the Sun and how that causes the seasons. They got to take solar cells outside to see first-hand how the tilt can affect the concentration of solar energy. Tilted toward the Sun, the cells absorbed enough energy to make the attached fan go much faster than when the cells were tilted away. This was a great excuse to go outside on a sunny spring day!

Light It Up

To learn more about how the Moon's appearance changes, we darkened our classroom as much as possible, and then eighth graders used a physical model to find different Moon phases. They enjoyed seeing how the light and the dark parts are really created.

Field Day

We had a perfect end to our sunny week with field day. Students enjoyed bounce houses, relay races, bean bag tosses, jumping contests, and more to celebrate field day. Kudos to our KW teachers for planning such a fun time!

Go Bulldogs!

The track and field team had some great meets at River Park this season, competing against schools like CMSA and Armstrong. Middle school students enjoyed both racing and cheering each other on.

Capitalizing on a Trip to the Capital

Eighth grade made the most of their trip to Washington, D.C. last week. We spent five days having fun with everything from seeing the inside of the U.S. Capitol building to singing along to Grease at a live dinner theater to playing Heads Up on 14-hour bus rides. Students may not have gotten a lot of sleep, but they had a blast!

The Candy Life Is the Life for Me

Seventh graders got to design their very own edible rock cycle using a food of their choice. Candy was the name of the game, so we saw chocolate bars, Jolly Ranchers, ring pops, and fruit roll-ups being melted, cooled, smashed, and compacted -- all to simulate the geologic processes of the rock cycle. More than one person poked their head in to find the source of the unusual smells, but we promise, no smoke alarms went off!

Old into New

Seventh grade students celebrated Earth Day (a little belatedly) and made connections to our natural resources unit by making their own recycled paper. They learned that recycling paper is not as simple as throwing it in the recycling bin and that the final result is not as high of quality as the original paper. Ripping, mushing, and drying paper was fun nonetheless!

A Wild Time at the Zoo

Seventh grader students and teachers alike had a blast on the Lincoln Park Zoo field trip. Students researched animals ahead of time, then presented their information at the zoo to their small groups. We were also the grateful recipients of a grant to enjoy a free zoo education program, during which we collected data using an ethogram. We enjoyed our 10,000 steps for the sake of getting to see so many great animals! 

Best Buds

Homeroom 408 visited their buddies in Ms. Demeros's class this week. They enjoyed reading a book together and coloring flowers to celebrate their individuality.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Seventh and eighth grade students got to know their fourth quarter seating chart groups with team-building activities. First, they used the "flying marker" to collaboratively write key vocabulary words. Second, they honed their communication skills by helping each other build matching structures -- but with strict limits on who could say what. Finally, they wrote group contracts to hold each other accountable for positive teamwork.

Sink or Float?

Eighth grade celebrated the last day of school before spring break by tackling a STEM challenge to build the strongest boat possible out of three materials or fewer. Some designs impressively held over 120 pennies!

Rock Sleuths

Seventh graders put on their detective hats this week to identify different types of rock. Armed with a data table of identifying characteristics, they were able to determine whether various rock samples were igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary -- just by looking at them. Not bad for armchair detectives!

Rock Candy

Not content to merely observe rock samples, seventh graders also made their own rocks out of candy. They "weathered" Jolly Ranchers by shaking them in a jar and hammering them, and currently the "sediments" are being compressed together in the classroom. We'll check back in a couple of weeks to see how they transformed.

Forkbirds

Eighth graders are learning about how populations change over time using simulations. This week we played the "forkbirds" game to capture "wild loops." Over time, they saw how populations changed as parents passed on adaptive and non-adaptive traits as well as mutations. 

Budlong's Got Talent

There were several amazing acts at the Budlong talent show this year. We are especially proud of all of the eighth grade students who sang and played their hearts out. Congratulations on a job well done!

Not Such a Dummy

We have used the word "dummy" more this week than ever before in our classroom, as eighth grade students concluded their force and motion unit by constructing new car crash test dummies. Having learned about the inequities in the types of bodies represented by crash test dummies, they selected a new type of body to model. From toddlers to the elderly, from male to unisex to female, from those with disabilities to extra-muscular people, their new designs would make cars safer for many more people.

Blegh!

Eighth graders started off a new unit on natural selection and COVID variants by learning about variation within their population. They measured wingspan, height, eye color, tongue curling, and, to much disgust, their bitter tasting ability. Those who can taste bitter flavors strongly were revolted by the PTC paper test; the lucky few who can't taste bitter compounds so well didn't mind a bit!

Buddy Up

We loved getting to meet our second-grade buddies for Valentine's Day! Together, students made cards for their loved ones. 

Get Out the Vote

Under the guidance of their civics teachers, homeroom 408 hosted a mock mayoral election just ahead of the local municipal elections. Our students' results were not indicative of what was to come, as Jesus "Chuy" Garcia won in a landslide. Maybe he can win in the future with the support of the youth!

So Squishy

Seventh grade investigated the mantle this week with a set of hands-on activities. First, they observed Oobleck (aka cornstarch + water), Silly Putty, and cold honey in a variety of ways. The strange behaviors of these not-really-solid, not-really-liquid substances helped them learn that the mantle too is not really solid or liquid.

Moving Mantle

Next, seventh graders explored how such a soft, semi-solid material might move through convection currents. They quite enjoyed using scientific tools like beakers, test tubes, and pipettes to examine the way that cold water sinks and hot water rises.

Explosion

Meanwhile in eighth grade, students learned about Newton's third and final law of motion using an explosive launcher activity. They were highly entertained by the popping film canisters (thanks to the build-up of pressure from alka-seltzer tablets reacting with water). Watching their "roller coaster car" and "launcher" push into each other helped reinforce Newton's second law as well.

Solving the Crime

Eighth graders put their understanding of physics to the test to begin solving a crime related to a car crash this week. After earning their investigator license (by earning 100% on a physics sprint), they were permitted to enter the scene of the crime to gather data. Next week they'll analyze their evidence and present their final conclusions to the class.

Progress Report Update

Progress reports come out next week! Be sure to check Aspen with your student to make sure they are up to date with their assignments. They must submit missing work or work to be improved by Wednesday. Eighth grade students can also take advantage of the science quiz retake after school on Wednesday for interested students; they need to complete the study plan on the retake form and get your signature in order to be eligible. Retake forms can be found electronically on Google classroom and in print in our classroom. 

Rolling On

 To continue our force and motion unit, eighth grade students designed their own experiments into force and mass. Some students took on the extra challenge of using two independent variables, such as friction and mass, or strength of force and mass. Either way, shooting ping pong balls and golf balls with spring launchers (aka toilet paper holders) is a fun way to spend the period!

Tug of War

Eighth grade students used a new scientific tool (new to them, anyways) to measure forces last week. They learned how to use a force meter while exploring balanced and unbalanced forces. The movement that can occur during balanced forces can be surprising.

Dissection on Repeat

Seventh and eighth grade completed their dissection unit as we eased back into class after break. Student experts led us through dissecting crayfish, sea stars, and frogs -- all to much amazement and disgust. It was an experience to remember!

Puzzling Pieces

Seventh grade students finished the first week of their unit on plate tectonics and natural disasters by looking back at Earth's history. They used fossil patterns and continent shapes to put together a puzzle that helped them learn how Earth's continents used to fit together. 

Science Fair

We did it! The 2022 Budlong Science Fair was met with very positive reviews from judges, parents, and visiting classes. Sixth through eighth grade students may have been nervous about presenting their projects to the community, but their hard work paid off with interesting presentations to those in attendance. Congratulations to all of our winners:

Overall Winner

Laura, for her research on cookie dough chilling time

8th Grade

• 1st place: Aakifah 

• 2nd place: Emmanouela 

• 3rd place: Ashhar 

7th Grade

• 1st place: Jelyn 

• 2nd place: Amina 

• 3rd place: Maia 

Runner-Up

• 408: Adesa & Matthew Z

• 406: Gus 

• 402: Vennes & Alissar 

• 404: Anthony 

• 403: Analy 

Regional Participants

Laura, Aakifah, Amina, and Isabel will be advancing to the regional fair in January.

Cutting Edge

To celebrate the end of science fair, students have been granted their number one learning request: dissections! We started with an earthworm to learn basic dissection tool names and safety. Following that, students were assigned to an "expert" group to learn about one additional specimen that they would teach to their classmates. The grasshopper group presented this week, and the remaining groups will present after break. 

Go Wolves!

Seventh and eighth graders enjoyed a fun outing to a Chicago Wolves game. The team knows how to make things exciting for a student day, with music, fireworks, t-shirt tosses, and more. Thank you to the KW teachers for planning a great trip!

Happy Holidays!

Homeroom 408 kicked off the last day of school before winter break with a secret giver gift exchange. The rest of the day they got to play games and attend the winter dance. Fun for all!

Slice the Price

Eighth grade students are finishing up their fundraiser with Domino's pizza coupon cards for their Washington, DC trip. Using a coupon card enables the customer to receive one free pizza for every large pizza they purchase at Domino's, and it can be used again and again until June 30, 2023. To support the sale and learn more, please visit https://slicethepricecard.com/38450. The sale ends December 5!

Neuron-ic

Since finishing their energy unit, eighth grade has gotten the opportunity to do a mini-unit on a topic of their own choosing: the brain. In this lesson, they did a hands-on model to represent how neurons use electrical and chemical signals to transmit messages.

Think Fast!

Seventh grade got to enjoy some time learning about their brain this week too. They used an online interactive to test their sight and sound reaction time, and then they collected data on their reaction time while catching a ruler. They finished by doing a class model of how neurons send messages to make this all happen in a matter of milliseconds.

Construction Chaos

Paint and cardboard abound this week as eighth grade students work on their final unit. To conclude their first unit on energy, they are designing and constructing energy-efficient buildings to support the stakeholders most affected by climate change in Chicago: people from low SES backgrounds, people of color, and the elderly. We can't wait to see how the finished buildings turn out next week! 

At Your Service

Seventh grade students did hands-on investigations to learn about ecosystem services related to water filtration. They saw how plants absorb toxins, how soil filters water, and how vegetation reduces run-off. 

Candy Catapults 

To celebrate Halloween STEM-style, students built catapults to launch candy. Why? Not only to develop their engineering skills, but also to save the townspeople of Katapuult from a monster behind a wall... a monster whose only known weakness was candy. The farthest launches were over 3 meters long, so we expect that monster to be history!

Fall Fest

Our eighth grade students raised over $1300 toward their DC trip at Fall Fest! They supervised the bounce houses, temporary tattoos, games, and selfie station while inviting people to support their trip, and students from all grade levels had a fun afternoon outside. Thank you to Friends of Budlong for inviting us to participate in their fun event, and a big thank you to all donors!

Happy Halloween!

Check out these great eighth grade costumes!

Chemistry Career Conference

Eighth graders enjoyed a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry for the Chemistry Career Conference. They were treated to a magic chemistry show as well as visits to booths where they got to experience VR, making slime, viewing phosphorescent scorpions, and more.

October 21, 2022

Budlong Beautiful Fest

We had a great celebration of international diversity on Tuesday and Wednesday with our annual Budlong Beautiful Fest. Eighth grade students represented Brazil, and their presentations include games, face masks, dioramas, and a fantastic samba dance. Seventh grade presented on Argentina, including a fantastic culminating tango dance on stage. The community really enjoyed the interactive presentations and performances, despite the chilly weather!

Go Golden Eagles!

Seventh graders were treated to a field trip to Northeastern Illinois University last week. They got to tour campus, consider possible career options, and visit the rec center. All were impressed with what college has to offer.

Student of the Month

Congratulations to Karaar for winning the 8th grade student of the month for September! Karaar is enthusiastic about his learning, kind to his classmates, and responsible about his belongings. Keep up the good work!

Off to the River!

Seventh grade students had a top-notch first field trip of the year with their trip to River Park! They got to conduct a habitat assessment, identify tree species, and, best of all, wade into the river to collect macroinvertebrates. A big thank you to Mark Hauser from Friends of the Chicago River for bringing the nets and waders and teaching us about how to use species like crayfish to learn about water quality.

Peace and Pinwheels

Budlong School celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21. We celebrated out on the field with music, pinwheel crafts, and quotes about peace. 

Who's at the River?

Seventh grade students explored the Chicago River ecosystem in depth, creating a food web of plants, aquatic animals, and land animals. Teams collaborated on the food web as they had excellent discussions of how energy flows between organisms.

Coughing Up Clues

Students put on their scientific detective hats and helped Ms. Scheiber solve a mystery: Just what was that fuzzy gray blob she found outside? After breaking it open -- or should we say, dissecting it -- they were amazed to find fur and bones. It was an owl pellet, the coughed-up remains of an owl's day of eating. The dissection activity served as a great introduction to thinking about energy flow between organisms.

Yeast Feast

Seventh grade students got to get their hands on some materials as they investigated yeast reproduction in the presence of different amounts of sugar. They spent a few minutes looking at the yeast under microscopes as well. We couldn't let seventh grade have all the fun though, so eighth graders got to a bonus mini-lesson on using microscopes too.

What about Science Fair, You Ask?

Don't worry, we're hard at work on science fair too! Students are doing their background research, having submitted Step 4: Three Helpful Sources earlier this week, and they will submit Step 5: Annotated Bibliography and Hypothesis next week.

Welcome Back!

Our eighth grade students took on their first leadership role by celebrating the younger students as they dismissed on Monday. They waved pennants, cheered, and clapped as grades K-5 left the building, helping create a festive atmosphere for the beginning of the school year. 

Mystery Cube

For their first day of science, students exercised their mystery-solving skills to determine what was on the bottom of a cube. They used patterns as evidence to draw conclusions, relying on their teammates to help them solve the mystery, just like scientists would. The excitement as they figured out each pattern was palpable!

Building Bridges

Having strong teamwork skills is essential in science class, so the seventh and eighth grade students worked on literally and figuratively building bridges with their classmates. With just one piece of construction paper, students designed a bridge that could support the weight of as many coins as possible. The highest number? 134 coins!

Hot Wheels Fun

Eighth graders practiced the scientific skill of precise measuring as we began our first unit on energy. They used toy cars to see just how much speed affects kinetic energy. What was tricky was getting the exact number of centimeters and millimeters!

Our Local River

Meanwhile in seventh grade, students started off their ecology unit by taking a look back in time at the Chicago River. They were disgusted by the sewage and debris in the river in the early 1900s, but they were pleased to see how much life has come back to the river now. The following day we took advantage of the warm weather to go outside while reading about a relatively recent invader -- the rusty crayfish -- and its impact on the river ecosystem.

The I Wonder Challenge

Science fair ideation got underway with the "I wonder" challenge. Students were given 24 hours to generate as many questions as they could, beginning with stations in class to spark new ideas. They explored materials, looked at images, browsed current science news, and thought about their past science lessons. Eighth grade students worked hard to beat their record from last year, and some wrote as many as 100 questions in a single class period!

Concert

The eighth graders proved they know how to have fun at recess with a self-organized concert by our resident rapper! We all enjoyed the fun of cheering him on as he rapped and signed autographs afterward.