Catalyst Academics designs and implements ground-breaking student learning experiences centering around Educational Technology, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Learning, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).  We have offered our learning experiences in a diversity of settings including in-school setting, after-school, and Saturday academies.

Sample Student Learning Experiences

SATURDAY STEAM ACADEMY

A series of 7 learning experiences designed around CASEL-aligned social-emotional learning concepts intersecting with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-guided activities.

Sample Activities: 

• Engineering Design (Design an earthquake-proof building, design a bridge to hold a certain amount of cars)

• Problem-solving/Critical Thinking (Use a comic character-based forensics scenario to solve a chemistry mystery)

• Project-base learning: Look at community water quality and design a water filter

• Educational Technology: Learn about principles of coding using fruit DNA and a coding game; apply coding principals in Scratch.

Embedded in these STEM activities are social-emotional learning concepts such as self-regulation, reflection, problem-solving, social collaboration.

AI AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FOR KIDS

In this academy, students will learn about computer science, coding basics, how AI works, machine learning and neural networks, augmented and virtual reality, cybersecurity and cryptography, and how AI can be used to enhance learning. They will also work on group projects that combine all the concepts learned, which will help them understand the real-world applications of AI and how it can be used to solve problems.

By exposing students to these cutting-edge technologies and helping them understand the potential impact they will have on our lives, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of AI leaders and problem-solvers. This training academy is an opportunity for schools to provide students with a solid foundation in AI and related technologies and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Sample Teacher Trainings

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Tools in Lesson Creation and Assessment 

This professional development workshop is designed to help teachers effectively leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in their lesson creation and assessment processes. The two hour session will begin with a discussion of what AI and machine learning are, and how they are currently being used in education. Participants will then learn about the different AI technologies and applications available for use in lesson creation and assessment. Hands-on activities and opportunities for teachers to experiment with various AI tools will be provided, allowing them to gain practical experience using these technologies in real-world scenarios. In addition to learning how to use AI tools, the workshop will also address the ethical considerations and approaches to student use of AI in their learning. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of the potential of AI tools in education, and be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate these tools into their teaching practices with confidence.

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Curriculum

2 hours

This two-hour workshop is designed to help teachers integrate the concepts of SEL, as aligned with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), into their STEM activities. The workshop will provide an opportunity for teachers to explore how STEM learning and the challenges they design in their classrooms offer collaborative experiences with real-world connections, which can be used to embed strategies for social-emotional learning. Participants will learn how to identify the SEL components in their lessons and raise awareness within their students of the connections between what they are learning and the development of responsibility, decision-making, and relationship skills. By the end of the workshop, teachers will have a clearer understanding of how to integrate SEL into their STEM curriculum and create a more well-rounded educational experience for their students.

Fostering Collaboration in Online Spaces

2 hours

This 2 hour professional development workshop is designed to help teachers foster collaboration among their students as they work online. The workshop will cover the latest technology tools and strategies for facilitating effective collaboration in virtual learning environments. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and discussions to explore the challenges and opportunities of online collaboration and learn how to effectively manage and support student collaboration in their online classrooms. The workshop will cover best practices for creating and facilitating online discussions, using collaboration tools such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams, and encouraging teamwork and peer feedback among students. By the end of the session, teachers will have the knowledge and skills necessary to foster a collaborative and supportive online learning environment for their students.

NYSED Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards 

The NYSED Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards (CS/DF) must be fully implemented in K 12 classrooms by September 2024. This workshop will give participants time to explore the standards and break into grade bands to discuss activities, resources, and ideas. Participants will walk away with many resources and lesson ideas to immediately implement these standards.