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"I would never go back to teaching engineering and design the old way!" Janet Mambrino on teaching using the EPICS curriculum.

This is a recording of a live interview with Janet Mambrino and her EPICS students at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, AZ.

Active Learning is definitely at the heart of Janet's Engineering course. “They’re asked to innovate. They’re learning not to be afraid to try things. They’re learning that failure is part of the design process. In many courses if you get the wrong answers, it’s the end of the world. But when you’re working in an active, project-basis approach like this, you learn from the mistakes you make and you learn to improve your end product.”

CLICK HERE to learn more about EPICS at Xavier.

-- WHAT: Interview of EPICS teacher Janet Mambrino and her students from Xavier College Preparatory live via webinar.

-- WHEN:  Thursday October 16, 2014

-- WHY: Teachers in schools all over the US are using the EPICS curriculum to teach engineering and design in an authentic way. This live and interactive webinar is perfect for educators and administrators new to EPICS as well as seasoned EPICS teachers. 

More about EPICS at Xavier College Preparatory

EPICS at Xavier is unique because it is an all-girl environment. The program is very empowering for the young women involved because it interests them in engineering, math, science, and technology as a possible career path; something that was previously not a popular career among women. The role of women in engineering, math, science, and technology is growing so it is only fitting that Xavier College Preparatory, a school full of bright, intuitive young women, be a host to the EPICS program. EPICS at Xavier is also unique because it uses engineering to integrate and understand the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching as defined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person

2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation

3. Rights and Responsibilities

4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

6. Solidarity

7. Care for God’s Creation

Using these seven themes in engineering enables students to experience a strong connection to the community through faith and understanding. Xavier students also benefit from the EPICS program because it implements the idea of service learning. Xavier College Preparatory combines academics with service learning to offer a unique experience where students are able to do something real and see the ultimate outcome of their efforts.

When I read the following news story my first thought was "I wonder if these engineers are graduates of an EPICS program?"

Engineering a Better Food Bank

For the past few years, a team of engineers has spent long hours poring over data files and complex computer models. They weren't designing nuclear reactors or high-tech cars--they were using their technology and expertise to improve programs that feed the hungry.

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