Engineering Projects in Community Service
About EPICS
EPICS is a design-based, service learning program that teaches students about engineering, computing and technology fields while civically engaging them in their local communities. Founded at Purdue University, the program has grown to include national and international university (EPICS University) and high school (EPICS High) sites. In EPICS, teams of students work on projects to address the engineering and technology-based needs of community service and education organizations. This partnership provides many benefits to students and community alike. Students gain experience while community not-for-profit organizations gain access to resources for the creation of products to improve services.
The EPICS High curriculum at Foxcroft School is implemented in a science elective, Explorations in Engineering. This course is offered one semester per year, and students may enroll for one or two semesters. All students are welcome and encouraged to enroll in this elective. The element of community service attracts a wide range of students with varying interests and abilities. The emphasis on team projects allows each student to use their own gifts to benefit the group and the project.
The EPICS High curriculum at Foxcroft School is implemented in a science elective, Explorations in Engineering. This course is offered one semester per year, and students may enroll for one or two semesters. All students are welcome and encouraged to enroll in this elective. The element of community service attracts a wide range of students with varying interests and abilities. The emphasis on team projects allows each student to use their own gifts to benefit the group and the project.
Explorations in Engineering Course Syllabus
HOW TO SETUP YOUR GOOGLE DRIVE:
+ Folder: YYYY-YYYY LASTNAME EPICS (Share with julie.fisher@foxcroft.org)
+Doc: YYYY-YYYY LastName EPICS Notebook
+ Folder: YYYY-YYYY LASTNAME EPICS (Share with julie.fisher@foxcroft.org)
+Doc: YYYY-YYYY LastName EPICS Notebook
Improving Lives with Engineering Service-Learning Projects
EPICS K-12 Vision Statement: "To inspire and prepare students for the future while improving their communities today."
EPICS K-12 Mission Statement: "The EPICS K-12 Program will be a leader in developing, disseminating, and supporting service learning models that engage students in engineering and computing-based design projects that meet the needs of their communities."
EPICS K-12 Mission Statement: "The EPICS K-12 Program will be a leader in developing, disseminating, and supporting service learning models that engage students in engineering and computing-based design projects that meet the needs of their communities."
EPICS K-12 Goals:
Building Partnerships
Hands on Learning Experiences
Helping the Community
Innovative Teaching
Learning Leadership and Teamwork
Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers
Engaging More Students
Building Partnerships
Hands on Learning Experiences
Helping the Community
Innovative Teaching
Learning Leadership and Teamwork
Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers
Engaging More Students
Categories of Design Projects
- Education & Outreach:K-12 schools, museums, adult learning programs, after school programs;
- Access and abilities: adaptive services, clinics for children with disabilities, programs for adults with disabilities, assistive technology;
- Human Services: homelessness prevention, Habitat for Humanity, family and children agencies, neighborhood revitalization, local government;
- Environment: environmental organizations, neighborhood associations, parks & recreation.
Examples of EPICS High Projects:
A greenhouse to grow vegetables for local community gardens, Lakers HS, MI
English as a Second Language software to aide in communications between parents and the school, McCutcheon HS, IN
Water quality sampling station for East River, Frederick Douglass Academy, NY
Campus recycling program and educational materials to encourage other schools to adopt the program, Pacific Ridge HS, CA
Adaptive lunch tray for special needs students, High Tech High, CA
Sustainability plan for Lake Michigan Beach, Westinghouse College Prep
Examples of Community Partners Include:
Local non-profit organizations (Habitat for Humanity, YWCA)
Local Government Offices (County Probation Department, City Parks Department)
Feeder or Sister Schools (Local Middle and Elementary Schools, Area High Schools)
Area Museums and Zoos
Purdue University's Examples of EPICS HS Projects - Foxcroft's collaboration with Boulder Crest Retreat featured on Purdue's website
The Design Process
| epics_design_process.pdf |
Curriculum Overview:
- Project Identification - Identify a specific goal that addresses a compelling need
- Specification Phase - Determine “what” is needed by understanding the context, stakeholders, requirements of the project, and why current solutions don’t meet need, and develop measurable criteria in which design concepts can be evaluated. EX: DECISION MATRIX
- Conceptual Design Phase - Explore the “how.” Expand the design space to include as many solutions as possible. Evaluate different approaches and selecting “best” one to move forward. EX: SCAMPER METHOD
- Detailed Design Phase - Design working prototype which meets functional specifications.
- Delivery Phase - Refine the detailed design so as to produce a product that is ready to be delivered! In addition, develop user manuals and training materials.
- Service/Maintenance Phase - Evaluate the performance of fielded project and determine what resources are necessary to support and maintain the project.
- Project Partner and Advisor approve continued fielding of project. If not, retire or redesign.