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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.

EPICS was founded at Purdue University in 1994 and engineering schools across the US and around the world are now using the EPICS methodologies to teach college students engineering design. One of these schools is Texas A&M. The EPICS program was recently featured in the student newspaper. 

One student said EPICS has helped him learn things that a classroom setting would not normally allow for. The student went on to say “To me EPICS isn’t just a class where you go in to listen to a lecture, or a teacher tries to give your ideas,” EPICS is where you are put into a project, where you are doing a project for an organization or the community. You are actually doing something that matters rather than just homework for the professor.”

CLICK HERE to read the full article. 

EPICS class pushes boundaries of classroom engineering education 

CLICK HERE to learn more about EPICS University. 

Here's a scholarship opportunity that might work for your students involved in EPICS courses and it is due November 4, 2014.

One of their criteria includes a desire to help others, evidenced by participation in volunteer/community service activities. 

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Invites Applications for Undergraduate Scholarships

POSTED: September 23, 2014

DEADLINE: November 4, 2014

Scholarships of up to $160,000, plus advisors, networking services, and other opportunities, will be awarded to high-achieving low-income high school students who seek to attend the nation's best four-year colleges and universities....

CLICK HERE for more details

Tom Heck, EPICS K-12 Coordinator at Purdue University, interviews  Dan Zavaleta and his students at Desert Vista High School in Arizona. Learn how Dan's students are building solar lighting solutions for people living in remote villages in the Pacific islands. Dan is an experienced teacher who uses the EPICS curriculum to teach engineering and design. This is the first in a series of educator interviews with EPICS teachers.

-- WHEN:  Wednesday October 1, 2014

-- TIME: Starts at 6:30 pm Eastern (3:30 pm Pacific) and runs 60 minutes. Includes Q&A with the teacher and students.

-- WHERE:  CLICK HERE to join this live event! This is a webinar!

-- HOW: We're using Google Hangouts On Air and you'll get to ask questions live during the event.

-- WHY: Teachers in schools all over the US are using the EPICS curriculum to teach engineering and design in an authentic way. This is the first in a series of live and interactive webinars where educators and students will be featured giving the rest of the EPICS community an opportunity to ask questions, learn, and celebrate.

Click on the "JOIN" link above to get access to free EPICS educators materials and join the EPICS for educators newsletter.

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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In a world increasingly shaped by science and technology, STEM education has never been more critical. If America is to meet the challenges of the 21st century, we must STEMtheGAP™ in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical education.

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Share your best ideas for improving STEM education and you have the chance to receive a $1,000 grant for your students.