EPICS K12 in Full Swing at Hancock

It has been a very busy beginning to the year here at JHCP. Originally the plan was to have two sections of EPICS; surprise, we have four sections!

 

So far in EPICS, the students have gotten their feet wet by designing and building cardboard prototypes of the eight EPICS scenarios. They took to it very well. With very little instruction on how to build prototypes, they produced quite good final products. Lesson learned: always have more hot glue sticks on hand, they go fast!

 

The groups were also asked to present their prototype including cost to build, timeline and how well their design met the needs of the client. We definitely have some work to do here!

 

Students have brainstormed possible project ideas and we are also actively searching out possible projects from the teachers, students and other members of the school community so that we can begin the real work.

 

Students have begun making surveys to send out to specific groups within the school to elicit more project ideas as well. We have spent a few class periods learning some of the computer software that will be necessary as the projects progress. As a simple side project, students have designed vinyl decals in silhouette studio but we have not had a chance to cut them yet.

 

So far, the students seem to be enjoying the experience but it is certainly not without its struggles. Having 4 sections of EPICS means more projects, more materials and more organization and it is beginning to be a daunting task. As everyone who visited last year remembers, our space is quite small and that is presenting some problems. With classes of 30 students it is nearly impossible to have them all working in that space at once. So far I have been able to bring the supplies to my regular classroom for the students to use; but as the year progresses and the projects get bigger, or require more materials and tools, this becomes less feasible of a solution. Ideas are welcome.

 

For more pictures, visit: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1DTa7s7H0JgaUlMRDVORXU4T2M

 

Source: JDF Labs Project Newsletter - October 2017