TEACH SCHOOL INNOVATION AND EXPLORATION INITIATIVE (IEI) SHOWCASE

First Annual Teach School Innovation and Exploration Initiative (IEI) Showcase

On February 20, 2014 Teach School students in the 4^th- 6^th grades will present prototypes of their Innovation and Exploration Initiative (IEI) projects, the results of an engineering project partnership between Teach and Cal Poly.  The showcase will begin at 1pm and will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room on the Bishops Peak/Teach campus, 451 Jaycee Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.  Members of the local media are invited to attend and learn more about this unique program available to motivated students who select to enroll at Teach Elementary during the San Luis Coastal Unified School District open enrollment period.

The goal of the IEI projects is to identify needs in our community, examine existing products used to meet these needs, then apply engineering knowledge and creative thinking to innovate the products and make them better.   The IEI program was developed by Teach faculty to provide students with hands-on opportunities to expand their learning beyond the standard classroom curriculum. Cal Poly engineering students assisted in the planning and construction of projects and Teach Boosters provided the financial support. 

Examples of IEI projects include the “Charles Chair – A Chair for Care” which is a renovated wheelchair incorporating easier to use and more functional features, including improved hand brakes, a built in compartment for storage, and LED lights for visibility.  Another example is the “The Scooper Trouper” addressing the need of trash collection around parks and neighborhoods.  A functional and fun cart was designed, built and transformed into an online game where friends compete as they cruise throughout their neighborhood collecting trash.  

Charles E. Teach Elementary School offers an accelerated learning environment to students in grades four, five and six.  It is designed for students whose special needs include a challenging curriculum, the opportunity for acceleration and enrichment, an outlet for creativity and individuality, and an atmosphere that promotes leadership, responsibility, cooperation, and independence.  The staff is committed to providing high quality instruction in a positive, challenging learning environment.  Charles E. Teach Elementary was named a California Distinguished School in 2010 and a National Blue Ribbon School in 2012.  Its 2013 API score of 989 ranks among the top 20 scoring schools in California.

Teach Boosters is a San Luis Obispo based non-profit organization whose mission is to provide financial and volunteer support to the Charles E. Teach Elementary School.  Our goal is to help all Teach students enjoy an enriched classroom experience, including field trips and academic study trips.

Contact:  Helen Sipsas

Tel. 805-233-7012

Cell: 805-704-0305

Email:  hsipsas@yahoo.com