The Engineering Programs Inspiring the Community (EPIC) Lab provides exciting, hands-on lessons in various topics each semester.

This semester we will introduce 6th-8th graders to Fire Ecology of Nevada through a four-part series sponsored by the Desert Research Institute. It is recommended that participants register for all four lessons as the content builds upon itself. If a participant cannot attend all four sessions, they are still welcome to sign-up for the lessons they can attend.


What EPIC Lab Offers

High-Quality Instruction: Content is developed by University of Nevada, Reno engineering students.

Hands-on Activity: Participants get the opportunity to be engineers and conduct an engineering experiment.

Social Interaction: Participants will engage in discussions and icebreaker activities.


Fall 2023 Lesson Descriptions

Soil Science: This foundational lesson on soil science will include labs with soil collected from the Caldor fire. Students will evaluate the difference between healthy and fire effected soil and conduct experiments to reveal the dangers that can ensue after a wildfire has taken place. 

Invasive Species: Students will be introduced to fire prone invasive species through an interactive game. After this activity, they will collect data to evaluate how species exacerbate wildfire intensity and duration. 

Fuel Density: Wildfire intensity is greatly affected by the density of fuel. In this lab, students will learn how prescribed burns and other preventative measures can decrease or delay wildfires while going through a wildfire simulation. 

Drone Finale: Drones have become instrumental in treating and tracking wildfires. In this lab, students will learn how drones are used to help firefighters in extinguishing wildfires before learning to fly their own drones.