Students Served (during school year): 45
Catapult Learning Programs: STEM, Intervention, Counseling
Grades Served: K-8
Number of Years Served: 2

St. Ambrose Catholic School in Houston, TX is piloting Catapult Learning’s new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program with its Title I students. The program provides academic enrichment to participating students.

The program’s inquiry-based curriculum is designed to change the way teachers and students think about STEM. Students gain a deep understanding of the engineering design process by defining problems, conducting background research, brainstorming multiple ideas for solutions, developing and creating prototypes, and then testing, evaluating and redesigning their approach.

Lessons integrate hands-on learning tools and activities to create an engaging, fun, and creative learning environment. Catapult Learning’s STEM program aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and College and Career Readiness Standards as well as the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards.

The programs support whole and small group instruction as well as individual learning. To help schools effectively integrate a STEM program into their schools, Catapult Learning designed implementation models that include summer enrichment, after- and during school programs, and professional development designed to assist schools in integrating STEM principles.

Beginning in April, Catapult Learning’s STEM program in Houston reached 600 students in five public and 35 private schools. More than 220 students were enrolled in this year’s summer program. Earlier this year, Catapult Learning also provided teachers with professional development in the form of counseling in how to best teach STEM.