About | CATALYST

CATALYST is an interdisciplinary research-oriented unit focused on building and supporting a community of educational professionals who are dedicated to advancing K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching and learning through research.  To accomplish this, we have three major goals: (1) Conduct theoretically grounded research that contributes to our understanding and advancement of K-12 STEM education; (2) Develop partnerships and research collaborations with other institutions, businesses, and agencies that support the advancement of K-12 STEM teaching and learning; and (3) Inform policy and public support of STEM teaching and learning at the local, national, and global levels.

Conduct Theoretically Grounded Research on K-12 STEM Teaching and Learning

CATALYST aims to conduct theoretically grounded research that contributes to our understanding and advancement of K-12 STEM education.  Our research focuses on five strategic areas:

  • Student cognition and learning in K-12 STEM instructional contexts
  • STEM teacher learning across the professional continuum
  • Integrated STEM education
  • Assessment and evaluation
  • Sociocultural nature of STEM teaching and learning

Develop Partnerships and Research Collaborations

CATALYST aims to develop partnerships and research collaborations with other institutions, businesses, and agencies that support the advancement of K-12 STEM teaching and learning. These partnerships and collaborations may be at the school, district, state, national, and/or international level.  Our partnerships and collaborations will support teacher development in STEM education (and in particular, integrated STEM education) through research-rich professional opportunities to deepen and enhance content, pedagogical, and pedagogical content knowledge.

Inform Policy and Public Support of STEM Teaching and Learning

CATALYST aims to inform policy and public support of STEM teaching and learning at the local, national, and global levels through the dissemination of empirically based research and position papers on STEM education.  In addition, we engage in the development of tools to inform and facilitate the implementation of STEM education (and in particular, integrated STEM education) in K-12 classrooms.