Ocean Discovery Institute Spent a Day at EIS
We had a blast with the team from Ocean Discovery Institute (ODI) in December. ODI held their annual staff retreat at EIS and explored how we teach STEM in our labs. With the help of EIS instructors, ODI staff coded and flew drones and participated in a sampling of our most popular science experiments. We appreciated the opportunity to connect with a like minded science education nonprofit and enjoyed the delicious catered lunch that ODI shared with our entire staff.
Sharing Tea and Food for Thought With Mrs. Doris Anderson
The EIS Learning Center was built to provide more access to STEM learning. That included expanding our programs to serve high school students. The first high school program was the Commission on Science that Matters, a yearlong program in which students explored a subject in depth. An essential part of the program was presenting their findings to the broader community.
Twice a year, EIS invited forty to fifty people to come to EIS to meet with students for Tea & Food for Thought. Students planned and served a proper English tea and led table discussions on science subjects. Tea & Food for Thought helped to build valuable skills in facilitation, presentation, and etiquette for future STEM Leaders.
In November 2025, EIS revived the concept during a visit from Mrs. Doris Anderson, the former Executive Director of the Elementary Institute of Science for 27 years. This time, the subject was EIS itself, and the participants were the entire EIS staff and Mrs. Anderson. Without planning, the exchange of information flowed naturally, with Mrs. Anderson sharing gems of EIS history and heartfelt stories. Our staff talked about our roles at EIS, the challenges, and our concerns for students.
Although time has passed and things continue to change, issues of equity and access in STEM remain.
The afternoon ended with understanding, inspiration, and encouragement. We were reminded of the importance of slowing down and truly listening. In this new year, we can all benefit from the lessons learned in sharing tea and food for thought.
Girls Take Flight Drone Spring Camp
March 30 – April 3, 2026
Hands-on drone training for high school girls and female-identifying students.
- Learn how to code and fly drones
- Hands-on drone simulator experience
- Drone safety and environmental awareness
- Careers in drone technology and STEM
- Guest talks from female drone professionals
- Dates: March 30 – April 3, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
- Click Here to Apply Now!
January SciTech Tuesday
At this SciTech Tuesday, you’ll work on a real-world project about health, safety, and the outdoors—using the same skills as tech designers, scientists, and researchers. Free for current high school students.
- Why Come?
- Your ideas actually matter
- Learn skills used in tech, design, science & public health
- No grades. No pressure.
Tuesday, January 20
4:30 – 6:00 PM
🍕 FREE PIZZA 🍕
Nature Explorers Spring Break Camp
- Dates: March 30 – April 3, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Who: Youth in Grades 2-6
Join us for a week-long outdoor adventure designed to spark curiosity and connect students with science and nature! Students will explore local ecosystems, learn about environmental science, and engage in hands-on experiments and fun outdoor challenges.
Textile Arts & Science Academy + Video Game Designers with Educreate at EIS
Dates: 10 weeks from Jan 10th to March 14th (flyer attached)- Time: AM Class 9am-12pm & PM Class at 1pm-4pm
- Ages: 7-14
- Price: $300 per student
What is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
A Donor-Advised Fund is a simple and tax efficient way to give to nonprofits. Once you set up a DAF account, you can contribute a certain amount of assets—it could be cash, stock shares, or some other kind of wealth—to a fund. You can immediately deduct the full amount from that year’s taxes. As a DAF, the funds can be invested and grow, allowing you to give easily year over year.
We’re excited to share that DAFpay, powered by Chariot, is now live and available EIS’s secure Give Lively donation portal on our website at eisca.org/support-eis.
Now, you can give directly from your DAF in a few simple clicks — no manual grant requests or paperwork required.
Have you participated in programs or volunteered at the Elementary Institute of Science?
Whether you’re still in high school, college, working or retired, we want to know what you’ve been up to and if you have thoughts about any impact EIS had on your life or career. Please send an email to info@eisca.org.
EIS alumni are invited to join our official group to reconnect and stay updated on future reunions. Facebook.com/groups/AlumniConnectEIS