Techno Science Supersite

Hey students! Here is your definitive source for K-12 Science, Math, and Technology fun in and around the Portland metro area.

Techno Science Updates

Take the Techno Science Super Quiz - You might win $50 in movie Tickets

During the months of February and March, students are invited to test their knowledge of the various programs highlighted on the Techno Science Supersite. Participants will be asked a series of questions about the Techno Science Supersite. All are welcome to take the quiz, but only residents of Oregon between the ages of 13 and 18 are eligible for prizes. If you can answer all questions correctly, and you meet the requirements, you will be eligible for a drawing for free movie passes. You are welcome to compete as many times as you want.

The Intel/Beavers Engineering Challenge - Teaming Technology with Sports

Intel is looking for nine Oregon high schools to participate in an engineering contest designed by Intel and the Portland Beavers. This contest promises to have the same energy as a match up between the Portland Beavers and their Triple-A rivals!

Nine chosen high schools will be given a fun toolkit and $400 to design, engineer and build a unique device to enhance fan spirit and participation and compete with other schools at a Portland Beavers Game at PGE Park in June 2010. The device must include at least one of the following: audio, image projection and/or movement. Think projects such as a blimp-bot, court sized piano keyboard or hovercraft. Get innovative!

FIRST Robotics Competitions Are Revealed

FIRST has unveiled their challenge for the 09-10 season. With 4 different programs and levels of competition, there is something for all students from grade school through high school.

Junior FIRST Lego League (JFLL) - the introductory level (ages 6-9) uses Legos to build models for their challenge, called the Smart Move Challenge
FIRST Lego League (FLL)—aimed towards 9-14 year olds—uses a Lego Mindstorm NXT robot kit for their challenge, titled the Smart Move Challenge
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is aimed towards high school and makes use of Tetrix robots, and this year's challenge is titled, Hot Shot
FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) is like the varsity version of FTC. This year's challenge has not been released; you'll want to check the FIRST Oregon website

Check with your school to see if there already is a robotics team or club or if you can start a team. Otherwise, visit the website and see what you can do to join First.

What's New on Our Site!

Looking for Tween Girls Doing Science to be on TV Show

SciGirls Web Site and TV Show for and about tween girls is coming to PBS. SciGirls will spotlight real girls using science to make a difference. Each SciGirls episode will follow a group of girls and their inquiry-based project, highlighting the great things that happen when girls are inspired and empowered by science. Twin Cities Public Television is currently looking for projects to feature on the SciGirls Web site, which will be hosted on pbskids.org. If your organization is sponsoring an interesting class, camp, or ongoing program for tween girls, SciGirls would like to feature a Web video about it.

New Programs

Our latest program is ChessVision.net. Train your brain! Chess Vision is where kids have fun, learn and play chess. By providing opportunities for junior chess players through clubs, camps, tournaments, groups and private instruction Chess Vision hopes to help children learn skills that will reward them for the rest of their life.

High School Students! Now is the Time to Get Real

Computer science is all about solving problems. GetReal.ous.edu is a collaborative effort between Oregon teachers, Oregon Industry, and the Oregon University System to provide up-to-date computer science career information.

Now is the time to explore what you like doing, find out what you are good at, and then find a career that matches with your hopes and interests.

See Every Program on One Master List!

Are you having trouble finding the perfect program for you? Are you looking for only one specific kind of program? Maybe you are interested in only looking for free programs? or programs for Middle School? or maybe only programs in southern Oregon? If so, check out the Master List sorted by one of the following categories:

Audience | Cost | Grade Level | Location | Title

Upcoming Events

February 6, 2010 FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Qualifier at OMSI

Don't miss the action when high school robotics teams converge on OMSI for a day of mechanical madness at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) regional competition, Hot Shot! Get an up-close look as two teams of robots race to move 9'' plastic balls into different goals around the playing field. Admission to the event is free, but it does not include admission to OMSI.

February 13, 2010 FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Qualifier at Oregon State University

Don't miss the action when high school robotics teams converge at OSU for a day of mechanical madness at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) regional competition, Hot Shot! Get an up-close look as two teams of robots race to move 9'' plastic balls into different goals around the playing field.

February 15th, 2010 Sizzlin' Science Day

Spend Presidents Day at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, investigating science and celebrating A.C. Gilbert's birthday! The Village will be full of intriguing experiments and amazing demonstrations, all free with admission!

February 27, 2010 Oregon FIRST Tech Championship Practice/Inspection Day

FTC teams who are participating in the state competition on Sunday, the 28th, must have their robots inspected. This will also be a great opportunity to practice with their robots.

February 28, 2010 Oregon FIRST Tech Championship

The public is invited to attend the 2009 FTC state championship competition at South Meadows Middle School in Hillsboro, Oregon to witness the best in Oregon compete in this year's challenge: Hot Shot! Get an up-close look as two teams of robots race to move 9-inch plastic balls into different goals around the playing field.