"Phamily Physics Night" at TVMSC!

TVMSC Field Trip to Morton Thiokol

On Thursday, December 4th, TVMSC has been invited to observe a 'Static Test Fire' of a reusable solid rocket motor of the type used in launching space shuttles, the FS 15 (the 15th tested Flight Support rocket engine) that will occur at 1:00 PM near Promontory, Utah. The entire Center will travel to this desert facility of Morton Thiokol that is located 22 miles west of Brigham City in northern Utah.

Timeline for the Day’s Events

1. Meet at one of the three departure points (Timberline High, DSC/District Administration Building, or TVMSC/Riverglen) at 5:30 AM to ride with TVMSC via charter bus.  The buses will depart at 5:45 AM sharp! 
2. Rest stop and break at the Bliss rest stop (10 - 15 minutes).
3. Arrive at the Morton Thiokol facility near Promontory, Utah at 10:30
4. Tour the rocket park from 10:30 - 11:30 (+/-) with presentations from MT engineers.
5. 11:30 - Travel 2 miles by charter buses to the test fire range.  Lunch and use restrooms.
6. 1:00 - Watch the test fire of the Space Shuttle solid rocket motor.
7. 1:15 - 1:30 - Get on the bus and travel to Malad Gorge.
8. 4:30 - 5:15 - Rest stop, leg stretch, short hike at Malad Gorge.
9. 7:00 PM (approximately) - Return to original drop-off/pick-up point in Boise.

We are looking forward to sharing this wonderful adventure with our students!

Posted November 14, 2008

Student Selection for 2008 - 2009

Saturday, January 24 and Saturday, February 7 - The initial screening days for candidates for the 2008 - 2009 TVMSC program.

The Student Selection process for applicants interested in being considered for the 2009 - 2010 TVMSC program will begin in January 2009. Intent to Test forms can be submitted to the TVMSC office beginning December 1, 2008.  All forms for Student Selection, including the checklist explaining the process can be found on the 'Application Process' page from this site.

For more information regarding the Student Selection process for TVMSC 2009 - 2010 start by checking out the information on the 'Application Process' page. Then feel free to call or e-mail the TVMSC office for any additional clarification on the process... 854 – 6802.

Posted November 11, 2008

Open House

Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation donation for TVMSC!

July 30th, 2008 Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation provided the Treasure valley Mathematics & Science Center with a very generous donation of $5,000. These funds have been provided in order to support the Center's efforts in developing student awareness and interest in STEM-based careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

These funds will support the following endeavors within the TVMSC program:

• TVMSC's Internship and Mentoring program

• TVMSC student preparation and participation in regional and national STEM-based competitions

• Support for the FIRST Robotics team

Weyerhaeuser Company, through its local affiliate Trus Joist, provided input into the original vision and design of the TVMSC program. Weyerhaeuser Company's continued support of this program's efforts and of the students who benefit from these opportunities is greatly appreciated!

Posted August 27th, 2008

Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc. donation for TVMSC!

On behalf of the Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center, I would like to express our most sincere appreciation for the generous donation of $20,000.00 offered by the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc. in July, 2008 to support the educational efforts of our program during the 2008 – 2009 school year.

The funds provided by this grant will support:

In August 2007, Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc. also awarded TVMSC a grant in the amount of $25,000 in support for continuing with the planned expansion of the Center. These funds were for use by the Center to renovate and outfit the new TVMSC science lab for the new Capital High location.

The support provided by the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc. has greatly expanded the opportunities that the Center is able to provide for the students in the program. In turn, these funds have also enabled the Center to provide quality outreach programs back to the community, which further benefit our students, our staff and our guests from across the Treasure Valley who attend these events. 

The Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center sincerely appreciates the continued support for our program that has been provided by the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc.

Posted July 10, 2008

Nine-year-old Luke Harmon-Vellotti, a student in the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center's 8th grade cohort, has been invited to be the U.S. delegate to participate in the 2009 World Youth Chess Championships to be held in Vung Tao, Vietnam in October, 2009. His brother, Carl Harmon-Vellotti, also a student at the TVMSC in the 9th grade cohort, qualified to be an alternate on the U.S. 

Luke has his own website:  http://sponsorluke.com/

Posted October 15, 2008

Posted October 3rd, 2008

John Crawford and Anne Staats, Boise High; Kelsey Humphries, Capital High; Stephen Lowery, Timberline High.

Kelsey Humphries has been in the Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center for the past four years. She will now begin her studies in the field of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University this fall.

TVMSC offers our deepest congratulations to Kelsey!

Posted July 31, 2008

TVMSC's FIRST PLACE CHAMPIONS!

National Science Bowl and the Alternative Fuel Cell Competitions

June 19-22, a team of five students from TVMSC was awarded the Overall First Place in the National Alternative Fuel Cell Competition held in Golden, Colorado! Following thirteen grueling 30-minute double elimination rounds, the TVMSC team also earned 5^th place in the National Science Bowl.

As the current Regional Champions from the April, 2008 Northwest Regional National Science Bowl Competition and the Alternative Fuel Cell Competition, the TVMSC team earned a place in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Middle School Science Bowl and Fuel Cell Competition at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. This is a nationwide academic competition that tests students' knowledge in all areas of science. High school and middle school students are quizzed in a fast paced question-and-answer format similar to Jeopardy. Competing teams from diverse backgrounds are comprised of four students, one alternate, and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach.

The team from TVMSC was comprised of four 8^th grade cohort students from the Center, Alex Baca, Eddie Smith, Kevin Brown and Andrew Hoth, and the team’s alternate, Paul Schroeder. The team was coached by Mark Anderson, the Physics & Internship teacher for Treasure Valley Math & Science Center and mentors, Tony Baca, a patent attorney for Hewlett Packard Company and Barbara Jorden, a lobbyist for the Idaho Trial Lawyer’s Association.

TVMSC’s team qualified to travel to Nationals as a result of their strong performance at the Northwest Regional National Science Bowl Competition and the Alternative Fuel Cell Competition April 18th and 19th, 2008 where the TVMSC teams swept the competitions winning 8 trophies, including 4 first place trophies. All expenses for the teams qualifying for participation in the National Middle School Science Bowl and Fuel Cell Competition were paid by the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE).

As a result of their exemplary performance at the national level, the five team members each received $140 in Amazon.com gift certificates, $50 in i-Tunes gift certificates, in addition to the two trophies they will share!

http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nsb/index.html Information on the National Science Bowl Competition.

http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nmsb/pdfs/National%20Teams%20and%20Hosting%20Sites.pdf  This link shows the teams who qualified for participation in the National Science Bowl Competitions from each state/region. TVMSC represented the Northwest Region in the competition after sweeping the regional competitions April 18th and 19th, 2008.

Posted June 23, 2008

National Science Bowl and the Alternative Fuel Cell Competition

April 18th and 19th, 2008 TVMSC entered teams in the Northwest Regional National Science Bowl Competition and the Alternative Fuel Cell Competition! During the competitions, TVMSC's teams won 8 trophies, including 4 first place trophies.

Mark Anderson, TVMSC’s Conceptual Physics, AP Physics, & Internship teacher sponsored the teams for these competitions.  TVMSC’s Science Bowl Team that took first place will be traveling with Mr. Anderson to the National Middle School Science Bowl and Fuel Cell Competition at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado from June 19-22 with all expenses paid by the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE).

TVMSC’s teams in these Science Bowl and Fuel Cell competitions were:

Science Bowl Competition:

Team #1 - coach Barbara Jorden

1st Place Science Bowl & 1st Place Overall School Team - Fuel Cell and Science Bowl

Alex Baca

Eddie Smith

Kevin Brown

Andrew Hoth

Paul Schroeder

Team #2 - coach Tony Baca

3^rd Place Science Bowl & 2nd Place Overall School Team - Fuel Cell and Science Bowl

Nick Davey - captain

Vishnu Iyer

Taylor Jones

Connor Nye

Adam Wright

Team #3 - coach Mark Anderson

3rd Place Overall School Team - Fuel Cell and Science Bowl

Adam Jiang - captain

Kyle Hartman

Parker Moore

James Heckendorn

Mitch Woods

Fuel Cell Car Competition:

Team #1 - S.S.S.

1st Place Fuel Cell Race Competition

Rykley Crowe

Scott Gibson

Spencer Nelson

Colton Streufort

Lucas Jantzen (pit crew help)

Team #2 - Name?

6th Place Fuel Cell Race Competition

John Jamboretz

Hannah Roy

Kearney Thompson

Grant Read

Maneesha Julakanti

Team #3 - Super-fast Hydro-blast

 2nd Place Fuel Cell Race Competition

Alex Baca

Shelby Cluff

Kristen Drake

Eric Hoth (pit crew)

Tractor Team - Super-fast Hydro-blast

1^st Place Tractor Pull

Kristen Drake

Shelby Cluff 

Alex Baca

Eric Hoth (pit crew)

http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nsb/default.htm - for more information

Posted May 21st, 2008

TVMSC’s DESTINATION IMAGINATION TEAMS!

Matt Yocum coordinated the training and preparation of TVMSC’s DI Teams for this year with the assistance of TVMSC teachers Julie Ekhoff, Stephanie Volk, Jan Poppenga and Ken Wells who co-sponsored and trained the groups. The regional competition took place in Ashland, Idaho. http://www.idodi.org/what.html http://www.idodi.org/challenge/team_challenges.html      

The results each group, the challenge they competed in and their placement in the competition include:

Gas-Powered Guillotine

• 8^th grade cohort – Yocum
• Challenge: Switch
• Team:
  • Matt Cameron
  • Garrett Matthews
  • Samantha Godwin
  • Jeremiah Jarret
  • Mauston Beauchaine
  • Kevin Brown
  • Cameron Wilcock
• Results:
  • 1^st place finish
  • DaVinci Award for creativity and Innovation

MACH 7/ Treasure Valley Magnificent Sircus Clowns

• 9^th grade cohort – Ekhoff
• Challenge: Obstacles Of Course
• Team:
  • Edwardo Hurtado
  • Logan Knowles
  • Kristin Mitchell
  • Brandyn Pierce
  • Cynthia Tang
  • Matthew Tolley
  • Duy Nugyun
• Results:
  • 1^st place finish

Breakout

• 8^th grade cohort – Wells
• Challenge: Obstacles
• Team:
  • Sean Anderson
  • Eddie Smith
  • Jeremiah Jarrett
  • Lauren Miller
  • Payman Shariat
  • Taylor Tosaya
  • Cameron Wilcock
• Results:
  •  6^th Place Finish

sregnaR rewoP

• 8^th grade cohort – Poppenga & Dale Cluff
• Challenge: Switch
• Team:
  • Shelby Cluff
  • Colby Bishop
  • Joe McNeal
  • Jatin Julakanti
  • Erik Anderson
  • Cody Brown
  • Akash Issuree
  • Sean O’ Toole
• Results:
  •  3^rd Place

Mario’s Mob

• 8^th grade cohort – Volk
• Challenge: Obstacles
• Team:
  • Breanna Wong
  • Spencer Nelson
  • Sam Baldazo
  • Daniel Vega-Myhre
  • Jeremy St. Ange
  • Carl Harmon
  • Alec Ward
• Results:
  •  2^nd Place
  •  Renaissance Award for Engineering and Design

That One Team

• 10^th grade cohort – Volk
• Challenge: Chorific
• Team:
  • Alex Harmon
  • Zane Beckman
  • Kevin Hou
  • Gary Parkinson
  • William Gee
  • Chris Marlin
  • Kyle Marlin
• Results:
  •  1^st place finish

Posted May 21st, 2008

Taking it International!

Earlier in the Spring, an incredible team of TVMSC students who also attend Hillside Junior High earned recognition as the ‘First Place Idaho State Math Counts’ team.   The students who participated on this team are Sam Faucher, Adam Jiang, Nick Davey and Kevin Hou.

In order to gain additional practice prior to participating in the National Math Counts Competition, Laurie Anderson, the coach for this team, entered the students in the Purple Comet Competition.  www.purplecomet.org. This is an international online competition with both a middle school and a high school component. This team participated in the middle school competition.

The team members had a week long window in which all participants had to log in to the competition site. Once in, they had an hour to complete 15 questions. The students reported that the problems were very challenging, but they gave it their best effort. BSU engineering building provided the team with the use of a computer lab for the computer access.

There were 1737 teams registered from all over the world in the Purple Comet International Online Math Competition.

The "TVMSC Fab Four" TIED FOR 3RD PLACE with 10 out of 15 correct answers!

Here is the link with the winners: http://purplecomet.org/winners/2081winners.htm

Posted May 21st, 2008

Idaho State Math Counts Results

On Saturday, March 8th, approximately 90 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade "mathletes" from 28 Idaho schools competed in the 2008 Idaho State MATHCOUNTS Competition. The competition, which was held at Timberline High School, was hosted by the Idaho Society of Professional Engineers, and sponsored by Hewlett Packard Co., Micron Technology, and the three state Colleges of Engineering.  Students vied for trophies, scholarships, and a chance to represent Idaho in the National MATHCOUNTS Competition.

Anyone interested in learning more about MATHCOUNTS can visit its web site at:

http://www.mathcounts.org

Congratulations to these students for their outstanding performance!

Posted March 10th, 2008

Accolades for TVMSC's Math Counts Competitors

Southwest Chapter MATH COUNTS Competition occurred on February 9, 2008 in Boise.

Several TVMSC students were involved as individual participants at the Southwest Chapter MATH COUNTS Competition for their home school. TVMSC is not able to have a team compete in these events, so TVMSC students participate as members of their home schools' teams. Of the TVMSC students who competed this year, several earned a place in the Top 10 in the Individual's Events. These students will be moving on to the State Competition on March 8th, 2008.  The TVMSC students who placed in the top 10 include:

•             # 1 Sam Faucher, competing for Hillside Junior High School

•             # 2 Kevin Hou, competing for North Junior High School

•             # 3 Nick Davey, competing for East Junior High School

•             # 4 Adam Jiang, competing for Hillside Junior High School

•             # 6 Paul Schroeder, competing for East Junior High School

•             # 9 Jenny Kim, competing for East Junior High School

TVMSC students also completed the competition to finish in the Top 15.

•             #12 Joseph Lim,   competing for East Jr. High School

•             #14 Erik Anderson,   competing for Hillside Jr. High School

•             #14 Jatin Julakanti,   competing for Hillside Jr. High School

TVMSC students also participated as members of their home school's MATH COUNTS Teams. The Top 4 teams moving on to the State Competition included the following school teams that had TVMSC students representing their home schools:

• 1st Place - Hillside Junior High School - (Sam Faucher, Adam Jiang, Erik Anderson, and Jatin Julakanti who attend Hillside Jr. High and TVMSC were the team members for First Place Team)

• 2nd Place - North Junior High School - (Kevin Hou & Colby Bishop who attend North Jr. High and TVMSC were the team members for the Second Place Team)

• 3rd Place - East Junior High School - (Nick Davey, Jeehae Lee, and Joseph Lim who attend East Jr. High and TVMSC were the team members for the Third Place Team)

We are extremely proud of all of the students participating in the MATH COUNTS events and offer our congratulations and respect to those moving on to the upcoming State Competition.

Posted May 21st, 2008

Best Buy Teach Award Grant for TVMSC

TVMSC is one of 1,300 schools nationwide to be awarded a $2,000 Best Buy Teach Award for 2008 on behalf of Matthew Yocum.  This is the second Best Buy Teach Award granted to a TVMSC teacher.  In February, 2007, Janice Poppenga was also a recipient of a $2,000 Best Buy Teach Award.

Best Buy believes technology can excite and engage students, creating a more valuable educational experience. Through Best Buy Teach Awards, schools are provided gift cards to enable them to purchase more technology for their students to use and learn. Since 2004, the Best Buy Teach Award program has awarded over $17 million to over 6,000 K-12 schools nationwide.

This award will be used to acquire additional technology for the program, including camcorders, TI-89 calculators, flash drives and software.

The Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center sincerely appreciates the continued support for our program that has been provided by Best Buy!

Posted February 18th, 2008

Lightfoot Foundation Grant for TVMSC

On January 22nd, the Lightfoot Foundation awarded TVMSC a grant in the amount of $2,500.00. These funds were granted for use by the Center to acquire specimen slides for Biology, molecular model sets for Chemistry and additional stereomicroscopes for Earth Science and Biology.

The Lightfoot Foundation has provided generous and ongoing support for the Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center. Since 2005, the financial support of the Lightfoot Foundation has enabled TVMSC to acquire microscopes, stereomicroscopes, glassware (beakers, test tubes, flasks, etc.), chemicals, lab equipment and materials, as well as safety equipment such as a goggle sanitizing cabinet for the safety goggles.

The students and staff of TVMSC sincerely appreciate the difference that this support has made in the instructional opportunities available to our students each year!

Posted February 6th, 2008

J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation Education Fund Grant for TVMSC

On November 21st, the "J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation Education Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation"  awarded TVMSC a grant in the amount of $4,190.00.  The 2007 Idaho Community Foundation's Southwestern Region Competitive grant program selected TVMSC to receive the grant funds to support the acquisition of additional equipment and materials for the new science lab at the TVMSC Capital site.

We are extremely appreciative of the ongoing support provided by the Idaho Community Foundation and the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation Education Fund!

In the Fall of 2005, TVMSC also received a grant for $1,500 from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation in the Idaho Community Foundation.

Posted November 26th, 2007

Hewlett-Packard "Gifts In Kind International" Donations for TVMSC

In the recent  "Gifts In Kind International, HP U.S. Employee Giving Program" three Hewlett-Packard employees, Michael Tang, Don Baldazo, and Arlin Jones, collaborated to make possible the donation of three digital cameras and thirty scientific calculators to the Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center.

These equipment donations are valued at $806.70. The donated cameras and calculators will be used by all of the Center's students in their research, mathematics and science classes!

The staff and students of TVMSC sincerely appreciate the support and generosity of these Hewlett-Packard employees.

Posted December 4th, 2007

There will not be classes held at TVMSC on the following days:

• November 7 - Professional Staff Development Day
• November 26 - Early Release Day prior to Thanksgiving.

Posted November 3, 2008