STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math 

What is a Catalyst STEM school?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We use of the term “STEM” to emphasize the connection points and overlap among these areas of study.

STEM schools merge the boundaries of science, technology engineering and math, while connecting these subjects to arts and the humanities. Your child explore STEM through enriching hands-on learning opportunities.

Where are the Catalyst STEM schools within DCPS?

• Anne Beers Elementary School (PS-5)- Principal Gwendolyn Payton and Catalyst Coordinator Stephanie Harris 
• John Burroughs Education Campus (PS-8)- Principal Mary Weston and Catalyst Coordinator Melvina Jones 
• Emery Education Campus (PS-8)- Principal Kelvin Moore and Catalyst Coordinator Nzingha Uhuru 
• Langdon Education Campus (PS -8) - Principal Barbara Campbell and Catalyst Coordinator Alma Miller 
• Malcolm X Elementary School(PS-5)- Principal Darwin Bobbitt and Catalyst Coordinator Amy Sabarre 
• Whittier Education Campus (PS-8)- Principal Nicole Clifton and Catalyst Coordinator Cindy Hamilton

What academic opportunities can I expect at a Catalyst STEM School?

At our STEM schools, you can expect to see robust academic opportunities including:

• Effective use, by teachers and students, of a range of technologies in the classroom
• Real-world connections between science and other subject areas
• Multi-week projects that focus on STEM while addressing the learning standards in many core subject areas.
• Lessons that highlight the basic concepts of engineering and design as a part of everyday life
• Exposure to STEM careers throughout all grades

How will my child's experience at a Catalyst STEM school be different than if they had attended another school?

Catalyst STEM schools design classrooms, lessons, and school culture to highlight STEM issues and skills as a theme within all core subjects. In a STEM classroom, at any level and in any subject, students actively learn through discovery and hands-on lessons. 

At the elementary school level, students don’t need advanced skills or specific interest in STEM careers in order to flourish. The integrated curriculum simply provides basic exposure to STEM fields as a theme around which to engage all core subjects. 

Topics of science and math, basic exposure to elements of design, and introduction to technology as a tool of learning are woven into the entire curriculum. 

At the secondary level, active, project-focused classrooms are still ideal for integrating STEM topics, but more specific scientific content is also introduced.  

By 6th grade every student should have access to and should spend a significant amount of time in a science lab.  A combination of hands-on lessons, rich exposure to technology, and an interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum will help prepare DCPS students for further education and a broad range of careers.

What are the benefits for a student who attends a Catalyst STEM School?

In America today, a basic understanding of STEM concepts and skills is vital to being a productive member of our workforce and our democratic society.

Across the nation and locally in Washington, DC, jobs in STEM-related fields are among the fastest growing careers. 

On an international scale, the ability of the US to compete in a global economy depends on our ability to produce a highly-qualified generation of researchers, workers, and teachers in the widespread fields of science, engineering, and technology. 

Beyond STEM-specific careers, employers in every field are looking for employees who can work effectively with others to creatively solve problems. These skills are particularly highlighted in a STEM education.The issues facing our nation and the world today also have explicit connections to STEM fields. 

As citizens, confronting and solving issues like the energy crisis, the threat of terrorism, and the national healthcare debate will require knowledge of STEM fields and the skills that a STEM education builds.

Want to learn more?

Interested in learning more about a Catalyst STEM school?  Feel free to email us a catalyst@dc.gov.