Junior High Science News

​SIJ STUDENTS PLACE FIRST IN CHICAGO AREA SCIENCE COMPETITION!
In late November, SIJ 7th & 8th grade students participated in the Annual Fenwick High School Science Competition. This year was an online version of the test, and our students excelled by earning a 1st place finish out of seventeen Chicago area and suburban schools. The students were tested on their knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology and earth science.  Hayden S. was recognized as an individual winner by placing 4th, while Paige M. placed 6th. Abigail G. placed 13th, and Finn R. earned 20th place out of over 275 students. All of the students represented SIJ with academic diligence and excellence.
 
SIJ 7th and 8th GRADE STUDENTS MASTER SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS WITH GREAT SUCCESS!
All SIJ 7th and 8th graders have successfully completed and presented their annual science fair projects. Despite the absence of the usual trifold boards and open house to showcase the projects, the students have worked diligently to complete this major junior high academic expectation. Students started researching their topics last spring. They created their project designs and followed through the procedures of the scientific method in experimentation, analysis of data, and finally communication of data. Students were awarded ribbons from 1st through 3rd place based on their written science fair documents (typically 30 pages consisting of an abstract, full lab report, and background research) and oral presentation.  Many students’ projects included topics of their own interests. Students researched and experimented on the physics of ball movement and composition. Some studied facial recognition, memory, and auditory vs. visual perception. Other students focused on the chemistry involved in various types of medications and their unique solubilities. Experiments on desalination, biofuels, temperature of magnets, earthquake proof buildings, and even dog intelligence were all conducted by our bright and curious students.
 
The following students earned Gold Medals for their outstanding efforts: Ella B., Beatrice C., Elizabeth D., Abigail G., Paige M., Ethan O., Merrick P., Isabella P., Isabel P., Lucy R., Winston S., Ellie W., Liam C., Julia C., Abigail G., Oresta H., Lukas J., Katelyn K., Sloan M., Anika O., Thomas P., Mia S., and John T..
 
Due to the pandemic, it is uncertain at this time how many students will be able to advance to the regional and state levels of competition. Nevertheless, we celebrate ALL of our SIJ students and their excellence in science!