Xtreme Math and Science

October has been “Xtreme Math and Science Month” at Theiss. Throughout the month, students have been answering daily “xtreme” math and science questions. Students have also been working on their knowledge of math facts and science vocabulary, and those who have made improvements will receive certificates and have their names placed on the “Xtreme Math and Science Wall” opposite the library.

The month’s activities culminate today, “Xtreme Math and Science Day.” Each class will attend 4 or 5 different sessions, and each student will receive a take-home science lab project.

“Xtreme Math and Science Day” is a team effort to promote enthusiasm for math and science careers. The events and activities have been graciously funded by the Theiss PTO.

Xtreme Math and Science Day Presenters!

Mary Lee joined KPRC Local 2 as a weekend weathercaster in June 2010. She moved to Houston from Austin where she was a weathercaster and reporter for KXAN-TV. Her career began in California where she grew up. She will be sharing her knowledge of meteorology and the importance of math and science education with our 5th graders.

Mad Science of Houstonpresents engaging hands-on science experiments to students in an effort to spark the curiosity of students. Their presentation, “Fire and Ice” will be given to all grades.

Houston Museum of Natural Science – Science on Stage: Exploring Energy is a program that will be presented to 4th and 5th grade students by Carolyn Leep. With this program, students participate in demonstrations of energy transformations with electricity, sound, and light.

Houston Museum of Natural Science – Science on Stage: Motion Commotion is a program that will be presented to 2nd and 3rd grade students by Carolyn Leep. In this program, students observe engaging demonstrations of Newton’s laws, simple machines, and the science of motion with rockets, levers, and more.

Houston Museum of Natural Science – Wildlife on Wheels: Reptiles and Amphibians will be presented to pre-K, K, and 1st grade students by Melissa Mudnall. Students will observe an assortment of animals from snakes to lizards and frogs to tiger salamanders, and they will learn about the natural history of these animals, prehistoric to present.

The Mobile Dairy Classroom is a traveling milking parlor featuring a live cow! Larry Graham will demonstrate how to milk a cow, and he will explain how milk goes from the farm to the consumer. Go to more information and fun activities.

Jim Griggs, a former employee of Boeing, was assigned to the NASA Apollo 11 mission which was the first human spaceflight to land on the Moon. He will share his first-hand knowledge and experiences with the 5th grade students. For an interactive recreation of the first mission to the Moon, go to

Judy Ruhlin, a former high school mathematics and physics teacher, will discuss geometry with 3rd grade students with a particular focus on how rhombuses can be used to create attractive, decorative patterns.

Chad Corbitt, Energy Manager for Klein ISD, supports the KISD Energy Mission by helping students and staff become knowledgeable, reflective, and active stewards of our resources. Mr. Corbitt will share ways to save energy and recycle with 2nd grade students.

Volunteers from Wells Fargo Bank will share exactly what a bank does and how important mathematics is to everyday life and money management. Students in grades 3-5 will be shown a program called “Hands On Banking”, a non-commercial program designed to give students all the basics on money management. To access this program from home, go to

Kathy Flannelly of Chasewood Bank has over 30 years of experience in banking and finance. She will share with 1st grade students how she uses math in her job.

Dr. John Wilkey is the Manager, Analytical and Physical Testing at HuntsmanAdvancedTechnologyCenter in The Woodlands. He holds 18 U.S. patents as well as numerous foreign patents. He will demonstrate household items that glow in the dark to 4th grade students.

Joe McShane, geologist for Petrohawk Energy, will present many aspects of geology and how an understanding of geology facilitates everyday life. Students in 4th grade will learn how rocks are studied, and they will have hands-on exposure to a variety of rocks and fossils.