Brian Copes- 2003 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award Recipient

Brian Copes is from Mooresville High School in Mooresville, Indiana. Mr. Copes teaches in the Industrial Technology Department for Mooresville High. Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise presented the award in Seattle at the National Educational Computing Conference on June 29, 2003. 

Brian Copes created technology-based curriculum for his high school students that tied Math, Science, Physics, English, and Technology together. This curriculum is centered on business/University partnerships with Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, American Trans Air Training Academy, and Lincoln Technical Institute.

He implemented this curriculum in a program which helped his high school students develop three of the top ten Electrathon cars (electric car racing) in the United States and successfully develop biodiesel fuel power. His students became the first and only high school to compete in a college level vehicle design competition. Through this curriculum endeavor, an all girls Electrathon race team was also created to compete in the electric car racing events.

Brian Copes has positively affected his students by creating curriculum, forming partnerships, and encouraging his students to cross traditional boundaries. He believes student success is much more than measurable evaluation, but must be observed in each student’s growth as they develop into productive citizens.