Boise School District students on Saturday took top honors at the Idaho Regional Middle School Science Bowl, which was held for the first time in southern Idaho at Boise State.
The Treasure Valley Math and Science Center team competed against 10 other teams from across the area in one of the nation’s regional competitions of the 22nd Annual U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl.
For their win, the five students and their coach, Janice Poppenga, an earth science teacher at TVMSC, will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to the National Finals in Washington, D.C., which are scheduled for April 26-30.
“The competition was fierce and our students competed very well in subject areas that are important to the future success of our local, state and national economies,” said Poppenga.
The winning team includes: Luke Harmon, 13, TVMSC and Boise High
Benjamin Huang, 14, TVMSC and North Jr. High
Nate Marshall, 13, TVMSC and North Jr. High
Karthik Mouli, 13, TVMSC and North Jr. High
Ryan Zubery, 14, TVMSC and Riverglen Jr. High
In the contest, students were tested on their knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, earth science and general science.
“We are so very proud of our students, staff, parents and all supporters who made success in this academic competition possible,” said TVMSC Principal Holly MacLean. “This serves as yet another example of how our local schools are doing things right.”
Also competing in Saturday’s event were teams from Foothills School, Idaho Virtual Academy, Marsing Middle School, Notus Junior High, Riverstone International School, Syringa Middle School and West Middle School.
The Department of Energy created the National Science Bowl in 1991 to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields. More than 200,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl throughout its 21-year history, and it is the nation’s largest science competition.
