The EPIC program is truly an integrated curriculum. We have not sought to replace the current curriculum but to enrich it with relevant applications in technical and engineering fields. EPIC Minors follow the Academic Endorsement or Advanced with Honors Diploma track and EPIC Majors follow the Advanced with Honors Diploma track prescribed by the state. Instead of taking Algebra 2 with Trig, EPIC students will take the EPIC version of the class. In that class, as an example, students learn about direct and inverse variation by testing simple circuits and discovering how Ohm's Law relates voltage amperage and resistance. They learn the same concepts but with an application related to electrical engineering. What sets an EPIC student apart aside from this enriched curriculum is the wide range of elective offerings. Students are required to not only take more of the core math and science courses, but they are given the opportunity to take classes taught by teachers that have, in most cases, designed the course from their personal expertise or interest. Descriptions of our current offering of EPIC electives are described below. There are many other electives offered at Davidson to appeal to the interests of all students. See our guidance office for a comprehensive list.
Through Engineering the Future, students use real-world problems to understand how math and science are part of their everyday world, and why it is important for every citizen to be technologically and scientifically literate. Students learn what technology truly is and how we, as consumers, shape the direction of technology. Students use first-person textbooks written by engineers in order to fully understand the life and work of an engineer. They complete projects using math, science, physics, as well as other high school subjects. Students also explore the benefits and implications of introducing new technologies to consumers. Students who take Engineering the Future acquire a greater depth and knowledge concerning how engineering affects our world and also how they will engineer the future. Click here to read more about Engineering the Future.
The Infinity Project is a course designed by Southern Methodist University and Santa Clara University. The goal is to give students hands-on experience with the engineering design process. Students use a digital signal processor (DSP) to experiment with topics in electrical engineering. They must finish Algebra 2 with Trigonometry and a lab science as prerequisites. They learn the science behind popular technologies. For example, students learn how electronics are shrinking in size, but growing in power. They use tools to allow them to experiment with digital video signals, digital music, and digital communication. Students have used this material in the science fair and BEST Robotics. Click here to visit the official Infinity Project website.
In this class students will learn the definition of a fluid. They will also learn about the physical properties of fluids such as density and viscosity. Students will explore the science and math involved in fluid pressure, fluid flow, buoyancy, and many more topics. This class will use the fluid flow apparatus in the engineering lab in addition to many other hands-on projects.
Technical Communications encompasses all of the writing skills that people in engineering need to master. In Technical Communications, students learn business and engineering ethics and group management skills. They also practice the skills of both written and oral communication in the workplace. Students learn how to write resumes, business letters, emails, memos and proposals. They learn the proper etiquette for speaking in interviews as well as other formal circumstances. Technical Communications is an enriching class for all students who are preparing to go into the engineering world and communicate effectively with others.
EPIC Law and Society introduces students to the American legal system and American jurisprudence. Students study patent law, environmental law and employment law in preparation for careers in engineering and technology. Discussion of international patent and copyright law is included. While learning about the law, students develop writing and analysis skills.
In this class, students learn about the physical features and natural phenomena that affect human culture. Civil engineers in particular are concerned with the effect of weather on structures and water and environmental management. Click Here for Earthquake Videos.
Mrs. Riley brings her experience as a professional draftsman to the classroom with Drafting 1-4. The drafting program is supported by the Career Technical Program in Mobile County. Students learn 2D drawing by hand and then with a computer on AutoCAD. In the higher levels of the course, students become proficient draftsmen using AutoCAD.
Davidson is taking advantage of a program established by MCPSS to offer enrichment to students formally identified as Gifted and Talented. During a student's senior year, he or she may volunteer to serve under the supervision of a mentor in a career that interests the student. We suggest that as part of the EPIC program students choose a mentor in engineering, math, or science. This experience will allow students to get a taste of a career and help them decide if they are interested in pursuing a degree in that field in college. The student must spend an amount of time equivalent to the time they would be in class off campus with a mentor. This cannot be a paid job, and mentors must sign off initially and every week during this experience. Students are responsible for finding their own mentor and their own transportation. Students must work with a PACE teacher to schedule this course.
A major component of the EPIC program is the opportunity for students to complete a project in math, science or technology. It is our goal for students to engage in a problem solving situation outside of the classroom in which they can take ownership of the process and the solution. EPIC Majors have to complete an intensive project during each of their last two years of the program. Listed at the link below below are some ideas that other EPIC students have used for their projects. Each of these can be repeated or expanded by other students.