Getting an EPIC education

Energy Professionals in Classrooms (EPIC)

One exciting program at Colorado Mountain College in western Garfield County brings together college instructors, professionals from the oil and gas industry, and students and teachers from local high schools. With the help of mentors, these students come to understand important science concepts in a real-world context. Their knowledge of energy-related careers expands, and they get a local and national perspective on diversified energy production.

In Energy Professionals in Classrooms, or EPIC, students work with project coordinator Kit Peixotto. A former middle school science teacher, Kit has also worked extensively with state officials, college faculty and school staff on standards-based teaching and assessment in mathematics and science.

Working with Kit, students tackle modules that help them learn about energy production and how to address key scientific concepts.

In one EPIC module, Chevron professionals use an online simulation, Energyville, to help students make decisions about what energy resources best meet a growing city’s needs. Each choice affects their city’s economy and environment.
In another module, Encana geologists take students on field trips to Rifle Gap Reservoir and through Glenwood Canyon. There they see characteristic signs of rock formations that can be used for generating energy, which teaches them about local geology – in the field, rather than from a book.

And in another module, Williams employees show students how a drilling rig drills a gas well. This helps them understand what’s involved in extracting and transporting natural gas. The students also discuss the environmental considerations associated with selecting, developing and restoring drilling sites.

Students come to Colorado Mountain College in Rifle for the solar energy module. In the classroom and laboratory they learn the science behind photovoltaic systems and solar energy technology through hands-on work. They also get to see real-world applications of solar technology by visiting the City of Rifle’s wastewater treatment plant and a Habitat for Humanity home.

CMC Foundation is grateful to Chevron, Encana and Williams for the $10,000 in underwriting that each company has provided for EPIC. And we’re also grateful for the opportunity to work with students and teachers from Coal Ridge, DeBeque, Grand Valley and Rifle high schools. It’s a great way for us all to learn from each other, and to share questions and perspectives in a fresh new way.