Elementary Institute of Science

The Commission on Science That Matters is an exciting new EIS program for older youth, ages 13-15. The program is comprised of three separate Initiatives to explore and recommend solutions around topics of health, energy, and water. Program participants will address pressing real-life issues as they team up with leaders in the fields of science, business, and education.

The first element of the Commission, The Lola & Walter Green Health Initiative, was launched in June, 2005. The goal of the Health Initiative is to provide participating youth with an integrated and sustainable program that will promote healthy lifestyles, civic engagement, character education, and community service, thereby helping to ensure that they reach their fullest potential in life. Health Initiative participants are addressing a variety of health topics including diabetes and heart disease. They are also discussing unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition. Students will recognize that some health problems arising in adulthood are often the result of choices made early in life; making some diseases and complications preventable. Program partners include the American Diabetes and Heart Associations, Julia Starts Cooking, and Cooperative Extension-UCSD Family Nutrition Program. The Health Initiative program is supported in part by Lola and Walter Green, along with community support.

The next phase of the Commission, the Energy Initiative will launch in June, 2007. Through this program, participants will gather knowledge of energy use, consumption, and how energy relates to their own health as well as the overall health of their environment and communities. Students will work with local professionals to build an understanding of how energy impacts our communities. EIS has established partnerships with organizations such as American Honda Motor Company, San Diego EcoCenter, SDG&E Sempra Energy, San Diego Regional Energy Office, and UCSD’s Center for Energy Research. The Energy Initiative program is supported in part by the Rice Family Foundation, along with community support.

For more information about the Commission program, please contact EIS!

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