New here? Been around for a while?

Think you know all there is to know about the program?

We’ll see about that!

We do our best to keep the EIR FAQ page up to date, but since we’re currently on-boarding over 100 NEW folks (um, wow!) – we thought we’d dedicate a post to the Q’s we get asked on <<repeat>>.

What exactly happens in the classroom?

There’s no cookie-cutter approach at the EIR program.

The engineer and the teacher work together to customize something that works for everyone!

• Hands-on activities
• lab demos
• presentations
• help with special projects
• field trips
• …..etc.

The goal is to create a POSITIVE engineering experiences.

What sort of time commitment am I looking at?

The EIR program is designed to be LONG TERM.

Plan for regular visits every 4-6 weeks.

The length of the visit is usually 1-2 school periods (60-90 minutes).

And you’ll need a bit of prep time.

Some engineer-teacher partners like to do one big sit down at the start of the year to map everything out. Others plan regular check-ins to keep things more agile & flexible.

You decide what works for you.

What activity should I do?

Listen carefully now.

It. Does. Not. Matter.

Engineers – try not to get hung up on finding the BEST activity. Remember….you are there to create a positive experience. We will teach you HOW to make any activity you do fun and engaging. Need ideas? No probs! Anything out of our program guide should do the trick.

Teachers – it is VERY helpful for the engineers to have some direction from you. We know you have a LOT of curriculum to cover. Your engineer can help! Need to do a unit on structures? Matter? Energy? The activities in our program guide are broken down by topics and strands. See one in there you like? Just ask your engineer!

And, BTW….you do NOT need to stick to the program guide! It’s just there to get you started.

Get creative.

Try coming up with your OWN activity.

Reach out to the EIR online community and ask for ideas.

What if?

Weird stuff happens!

What if I…..change jobs, move, change schools mid-year, go on leave…..ETC.

We get it.

That’s LIFE.

If something comes up, just let us know so that we can take the appropriate action.

K? Thanks!

My teacher/engineer is not answering my emails!

Ugh. Frustrating eh?

You’re all keen to get this program going, but you’re getting radio silence on the other side.

The program works because it’s a PARTNERSHIP.

So….be a good partner and COMMUNICATE.

Ok, rant over.

Now, here are a few recommendations to make sure the communication lines are open.

• Ask each other HOW you like to communicate. Email? Text? Carrier pigeon….kidding!
• Double (and triple) check email settings! There might be firewalls blocking emails from getting through, or emails ending up in junk mail.
• Set up your auto-responder if you’re not going to be checking email for an extended time.

And, if all else fails – let us know.

Don’t wait until the end of the year to tell us that you NEVER got in touch! That’s a bit too late for us to do anything isn’t it.

What other Q’s you got for us?

Leave a comment, send an email. Chances are, if you’re thinking it, others are too so don’t be shy!