AMSE K-12 Lookbook by Valley Christian Schools

APPLIED MATH, SCIENCE, & ENGINEERING INSTITUTE

Mission: To prepare the next generation of Christian science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) innovators.

Key Verse: “If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139: 8-9).

ACHIEVEMENTS

ELEMENTARY & JUNIOR HIGH

Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)

• 30 out of 76 third thru fifth graders qualified for the final round

• 20% of third thru fifth-grade finalists were medal winners

• 43% of third thru fifth-grade finalists finished 20% or higher

Arete Math Madness

• The Junior High Math Club ranked 13th nationally (2024-25)

American Mathematics Competitions 8 (AMC 8)

• Two junior high students received Honor Roll of Distinction (top 1% nationally), nine students earned Honor Roll (top 5% nationally), and ten sixth-grade students earned a Certificate of Achievement for scoring higher than 15 on the AMC-8 (2024-25)

Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS)

• 78% of our participating students finished in the top 50% (2024-25)

• Three fourth-grade, three fifth-grade, and one seventh-grade student individually placed in the top 2% nationally (2024-25)

• The fourth and fifth-grade teams, and two junior high students placed in the top 10% nationally (2024-25)

HIGH SCHOOL

• First Place Overall and First Place in Speech & Communication – MATE ROV Warrior Waves, Navigator Division, MATE ROV Monterey Regional Competition (April 2024)

• Creativity Award, sponsored by Rockwell Automation – FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) WarriorBorgs Robotics Team, at the FRC Championships in Houston, Texas. The team advanced to the Championships for the fourth consecutive year (2025)

• XPRIZE Wildfire Semifinalist – Wildfire Quest Team, one of 15 semifinalists in the Autonomous Wildfire Response Track (2025). Finalists will be announced in 2026.

• First Place – VCHS Math Team, 2025 Northern California MathLeague.org Competition. The team has been MathLeague.org National Champions three of the past six years.

• XPRIZE Avatar Semifinalist – Avatar Quest, $10M ANA Avatar XPRIZE challenge, developing a system to transport a human presence to a remote location in real-time (Miami, Florida, 2021)

• First Place, $800,000 NOAA Bonus Prize – Ocean Quest Team, Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE Competition (2019)

• Custom Student Experiments Launched to the ISS – aboard SPACEX Falcon 9 for 30 days of experimentation in microgravity (June 2024)

• Fourth Place in the World – MATE ROV WarriorTides, 2024 MATE ROV World Championships, for their uniquely designed remotely operated underwater robot

• Top 100 Global Team – Carbon Quest, recognized for innovation in carbon removal in the 2024 XPRIZE competition

• Finalist Distinction – earned by Aeronautics students at the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit Aerospace & Aviation Division (2024)

• Best Overall High School in the Nation – VCHS Math Team, American Statistical Association Fall Data Challenge (2025)

DISCOVER AMSE | ELEMENTARY

Discover AMSE is the elementary branch of the AMSE Institute and introduces young learners to the world of math, science, and engineering. Designed to enhance the elementary school’s engaging math and science curriculum, we provide a variety of enrichment and after-school offerings to spark interest and lay the foundation for future success.

AMSE ENRICHMENT CLASSES

Agri-Tech (Fourth Grade)

Students participate in the Agri-Tech class, which introduces them to innovative farming methods such as hydroponics and vertical growth towers.

Quest for Space International Space Station (Fifth Grade)

This pioneering platform allows students to conduct various activities and experiments for analysis on Earth and in space on the International Space Station.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Agri-Tech (Kindergarten-Second Grade)

Cultivate young gardeners’ natural curiosity and wonder while growing healthy habits for life in this hands-on program.

Health & Wellness (Second-Fifth Grade)

Our Health & Wellness program engages students in learning about the human body and how to care for it through fun, interactive lessons and activities.

Math Team (Third-Fifth Grade)

Through participation in the Math Team, students gain self-confidence and learn to tackle problems. Mentored by VCHS Math Team students, elementary team members gain new math skills and compete in local Math League tournaments.

Ocean Discovery (Kindergarten-Third Grade)

Discover what lies beneath the ocean deep in our Ocean Discovery program. This hands-on experience builds curiosity and inspires a scientific understanding of ocean life.

Robotics (Third-Fifth Grade)

The RoboQuest program introduces students to the exciting world of robotics through hands-on learning and engaging activities, where they will use their skills to build their own robots.

JUNIOR AMSE | JUNIOR HIGH

Junior AMSE provides junior high students with excellent facilities and unique opportunities to inspire future mathematicians, scientists, and engineers, all while preparing them for our Valley Christian High School AMSE Institute programs. We offer a variety of after-school programs and electives to enhance and expand on the comprehensive math, science, and STEM elective course offerings.

JOIN THE JUNIOR AMSE INSTITUTE

Members stay current on AMSE news and activities with no obligation to participate. Distinction is reserved for students participating in at least two AMSE programs or electives by the end of eighth grade. An AMSE pin of distinction will be presented to qualifying students for VCJH graduation.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Code Warriors (Level 1 & 2)

Code Warriors is a two-level program where students begin by learning the fundamentals of coding languages like C, C++, and Python in Code Warriors 1. Code Warriors 2 builds upon that foundation with advanced applications and deeper analysis of each language.

Health & Wellness

This health science initiative introduces students to various aspects of physical and mental health, providing opportunities to apply scientific principles to studying and interpreting health and disease.

ISS Space Program (Seventh-Eighth Grade)

The International Space Station (ISS) program offers pre-designed experiments, multiple data uploads to the ISS, and opportunities for students to analyze heat, radiation, conduction, and convection data in Earth and microgravity settings.

Math Team

The Math Team offers a comprehensive program featuring advanced-level activities emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, mathematical concepts, and preparation for high school mathematics.

Ocean Discovery

The Ocean Discovery program immerses marine biology and ocean engineering students through hands-on activities and experiences.

RoboQuest Robotics (Level 1 & 2)

RoboQuest introduces students to robotics fundamentals, emphasizing construction and problemsolving skills as they build their own robots and compete in tournaments.

AMSE INSTITUTE | HIGH SCHOOL

The AMSE Institute, provides students with a pipeline of inspiration, instruction, and experiences to help them become successful innovators and world-changers. Students receive unique training from industry professionals, helping them gain real-world experience and become future leaders. Our after-school programs uniquely complement the comprehensive math, science, engineering, and technology courses at VCHS.

PROGRAMS

The AMSE Institute offers twenty after-school STEM programs for high school students. While some programs require a full-year commitment, many are trimester programs. Most programs meet one to two days per week. The demand for AMSE programs is high, and the selection process varies between programs. Our goal is to involve all interested students. Some programs have no cap on student enrollment; however, placement in highly competitive, selection-based programs is not guaranteed.

REQUIREMENTS

We offer several levels of participation designed to offer distinct pathways for broad involvement and recognize high-achieving students in their respective fields. All incoming students are encouraged to apply for AMSE Membership, as it is required for program participation and will keep students up to date on STEM opportunities throughout the year. Students seeking an in-depth level of participation and graduation recognition should apply to be an AMSE Honors student. The AMSE Honors Fellow program is reserved for eleventh & twelfth grade students only. Please review the AMSE requirements charts on the following pages. AMSE participation requirements are to be completed over a student’s four years of high school and are not required annually.

APPLYING TO THE AMSE INSTITUTE

Step One: Apply to become an AMSE Member, AMSE Honors, or AMSE Artist Honors student. Applications are open year-round and can be accessed at vcs.net/amsehsapply.

Step Two: Apply for an AMSE program. Applications for specific programs open each summer and are available for a limited time. Additional application windows will open throughout the year for programs with available space in the following trimester or second semester.

Find the applications at vcs.net/amsehsapply

AMSE HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

THREE LEVELS OF INVOLVEMENT

AMSE Membership

AMSE Membership is open to all VCHS students. AMSE members will be eligible to apply for and participate in AMSE programs and receive invitations to special events and the newsletter.

AMSE Honors

AMSE Honors students enjoy the benefits of AMSE Membership while committing to higher standards in program participation, GPA, and research requirements. Students will receive a cord of distinction to wear on graduation day.

AMSE Honors Fellows

AMSE Honors Fellows experience elite opportunities designed for outstanding eleventh and twelfth-grade students to work alongside VCS program managers for a unique, year-long learning experience conducting specialty research in a specific field of interest.

AMSE Artist Honors

Students with a deep passion for both the STEM and artistic fields can apply for the AMSE Artist Honors program. This program allows students to participate in AMSE and Conservatory activities without overloading their schedules. For additional information, visit the Conservatory of the Arts web page at vcs.net/conservatoryapply.

AMSE REQUIREMENTS

AMSE INSTITUTE DISTINCTION REQUIREMENTS

AMSE RESEARCH PROJECTS

AMSE & BEI Programs

In-depth research activities

• Aeronautics Level 2 & 3

• Advanced Aeronautics

• Agri-Tech Level 2

• BEI Quest Incubator

• Health & Wellness Level 2 & 3

• Health & Wellness (two semesters or trimesters of Physical and/or Mental Health)

• ISS Research Lab

• MATE ROV Team

• Robotics FRC Roboquest

• XPRIZE Teams

High School Courses

Advanced research-based coursework

• Anatomy & Physiology Honors

• Advanced Business Honors

• AP Computer Science Principles

• Advanced Data Analysis

• Entrepreneurship Honors

• Scientific Research

Others

Alternate research opportunities

• Pre-Approved External Agency Internship

• Quest Summer STEAM Intensive

• Synopsys Science & Technology Fair

AMSE ARTIST HONORS

AMSE PROGRAMS

AERONAUTICS

There are two options available for involvement in the Aeronautics program, students explore the science behind flight through an investigation of the elements of aeronautics, fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, launch systems, and flight mechanics. Students learn about technologies in the growing field of aeronautical engineering. Level 1 is introductory for new students to the program. Advanced Aeronautics includes an in-depth research project that fulfills the AMSE Research Project requirement for AMSE Honors and Honors Fellow students. The prerequisite for the advanced program is completing the Aeronautics Level 1 program.

AGRI-TECH

The Agri-Tech program advances agricultural innovation while prioritizing sustainability. Students delve into cultivating the Agri-Tech Garden, a space designed to showcase cutting-edge agricultural technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Through hands-on experience, participants not only learn the practical aspects of these technologies but also explore their ecological impact. They study the intricate relationships between humans, organisms, and the environment, gaining insights into the management of soil, water, crops, diseases, pests, energy consumption, and waste production. By examining these critical elements, students develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and the role of technology in shaping future food production.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

The AI program teaches students to adopt, adapt, and augment artificial intelligence through a curriculum designed by leading experts, aiming to inspire, educate, and engage learners while fostering critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

ASTRONOMY

The Astronomy program offers students a comprehensive introduction to astronomy, encompassing theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for astronomical study. Integrating disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and astrophysics, participants gain a robust understanding of celestial phenomena and the scientific principles governing them. Central to the program is the state-of-the-art VCS Observatory, recently upgraded to enhance observational capabilities. Through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on activities, and access to the observatory, both in-person and remotely, students engage in real-time exploration of the cosmos, applying their knowledge to observe and analyze astronomical phenomena firsthand. This immersive approach cultivates critical thinking and observational skills necessary for future studies and careers in astronomy and related fields.

CYBERQUEST

CyberQuest is a comprehensive program that provides students with a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity. The program comprises independent, hands-on labs that cover a range of cybersecurity topics and equip students with industrystandard tools. These labs and classes aim to teach wireless hacking, web application hacking, host hardening, network security fundamentals, and other valuable skills. CyberQuest 2 expands on the skills learned in the introductory program.

FORENSIC DISCOVERY LAB

In this hands-on program, students investigate crime scene scenarios and learn real-world forensic techniques such as fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and evidence examination, developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through scientific inquiry.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Four distinct options are available for involvement in the Health & Wellness program. Each specialized program introduces students to various aspects of physical health, mental health, global health, and emergency medicine and helps students prepare for college programs in the medical field, including allied health (such as physical therapy, dental hygiene, audiology, dietetics). Students will apply biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology principles to studying and interpreting human health and disease. Guest speakers and service projects are ways students will experience learning opportunities as they explore health career topics suited to their needs, aptitudes, and career plans.

Physical Health focuses on historical, lifestyle, vector-borne diseases, and genetic disorders.

Mental Health focuses on brain function in health and illness, including exploration of the brain anatomy and physiology that focuses on health and misbehavior.

Emergency Medicine teaches the Red Cross of America curriculum for first aid and CPR certification and provides background information to help students understand the best course of action in an emergency.

Global Health explores worldwide health challenges, teaching students about global diseases, healthcare systems, and the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on public health.

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

The International Space Station (ISS) program offers two distinct participation options. Both teach engineering, circuitry, programming, and data analysis.

ISS Space Program: Designed for students interested in space science, this fast-paced, semester-long course includes two to three pre-designed experiments, multiple data uploads to the ISS, and the opportunity for data analysis. Students will analyze experiments on heat, radiation, conduction, and convection and compare the results on Earth and in microgravity. Students receive guided instruction and a Quest for Space kit.

ISS Research Lab: This year-long program provides students with the opportunity to work in a team setting to conceive, design, build, test, integrate, and qualify computer-controlled custom science experiments that are launched to the ISS. The experiments are active on the ISS for thirty days. Each experiment module contains a digital camera and studentprogrammed microcontroller, and experiment data is sent to Earth for student evaluation. Participation fulfills the AMSE Research Project requirement for AMSE Honors students. Prerequisites include completing the VCJH Space elective, VCHS ISS Space program, or previous VCHS ISS program experience.

MATH TEAM

The Math Team is a year-long program that allows students to further their math skills and meet other people who share their love and interest in math. Team members compete in local, national, and international competitions and attend seminars. Students develop skills in collaboration and teamwork, improve their critical thinking, and expand their problem-solving strategies. Qualifying students can participate in the Mu Alpha Theta National Honor Society.

AMSE PROGRAMS CONTINUED

MATE ROV

Discover ocean engineering through participation in the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) program to apply STEM principles in the exciting field of underwater robotics. Students design and build remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to tackle missions modeled after real-world scenarios in the ocean workplace. MATE includes annual and regional competitions.

OCEAN DISCOVERY MAMMALS

Students explore the exciting field of marine biology and study marine mammals through hands-on field activities and scientific exploration through data analysis. Students learn about the different marine mammal groups. Labs are conducted on topics such as marine mammal skulls, abundance, distribution, movement patterns, and vocalizations. Students analyze real data collected from marine mammals and collect their own. Expert speakers and exciting field trips are planned to provide hands-on activities.

ROBOTICS

RoboQuest: This course in STEM robotics uses a hands-on approach to introduce fundamental robotics concepts, focusing on the construction and programming of individual mobile robots. Students learn programming skills and problem-solving strategies and can design, build, and compete with their very own bot using the VCS proprietary program, RoboQuest. Students will compete in a district event in December and an annual championship event at Grand Canyon University.

FRC Robotics: The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Robotics program focuses on developing skills in software, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer-aided design (CAD). Students participate in the fast-paced FRC competition season, allowing them to compete at the local, regional, and international levels. Participation fulfills the AMSE Research Project requirement for AMSE Honors and Honors Fellow students.

XPRIZE

Following the 2019 victory of Team Ocean Quest in the NOAA Bonus Prize round of the $7M Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE, VCS has continued to champion student innovation through ongoing participation in XPRIZE competitions.

Team Avatar Quest and Wildfire Quest have proudly advanced to semi-final rounds, while Team Carbon Quest and Healthspan Quest earned recognition as top 100 teams.

Today, VCS students remain at the forefront of global innovation. The Wildfire Quest Team is developing smart, integrated systems to quickly and autonomously detect, assess, and suppress wildfires. The Water Quest Team is tackling the global water crisis by designing sustainable and affordable seawater desalination solutions to expand access to clean water around the world.

At VCS, we’re not just preparing students for the future. We’re helping them shape it.

MISSION STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.

VISION STATEMENT

A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™

FOUNDING STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reﬂected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and inﬂuence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence