Muinín Catalyst STEAM Education for Sustainable Development and Futures Literacy

Muinín Catalyst STEAM Education for Sustainable Development and Futures Literacy

The Muinín Catalyst STEAM Education for Sustainable Development and Futures Literacy (MCSS) is a ground-breaking suite of 10 programmes designed to tackle the complexities of the climate crisis. Unlike traditional, subject-specific teaching methods, MCSS embraces an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary applied learning approach. With over 800 lessons and activities, MCSS was carefully crafted by a diverse team of artists, educators, and 18 industry and academic experts, ensuring that both learners and teachers are central to the design and delivery process.

Transition Year, an often underutilised period in Irish secondary education, presents an ideal opportunity to engage students with the MCSS programme. Comprehensive and fully scaffolded, MCSS resources not only support learners but also provide ongoing, in-class professional development for teachers. These resources empower educators to facilitate transformative learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and the limitations of the traditional curriculum.

Research-Based Design

MCSS is built on extensive research (European Commission, 2022; McKeown et al., 2022), which highlights significant gaps in current educational provision, both in Ireland and across the EU. These gaps hinder the preparation of learners to face the challenges of an increasingly unpredictable world. In response, MCSS was co-designed with teachers and learners, recognizing the crucial role of educators in driving transformative change within education.

This programme seeks to augment the post-primary curriculum, particularly within Transition Year, by equipping students with foundational knowledge, skills, and emotional resilience to navigate the uncertainties of the future. Engaging a broad range of educational stakeholders during development, MCSS focuses on creating a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of students, while fostering a more just and sustainable world.

Futures Literacy and Teacher Support

MCSS aims to develop Futures Literacy within the Irish education system, offering resources that are created by educators, artists, and experts across various fields. These resources include step-by-step lesson plans and hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) applied learning experiences, which allow for continuous professional development (CPD) in the classroom. This in-class learning experience reduces the need for after-hours training and minimises additional workload for teachers.

By using the MCSS programme, educators become more than just information providers—they become facilitators of change. The programme nurtures a new generation of learners and teachers who are equipped to tackle global challenges, fostering sustainable development, innovation, and future-ready thinking, all while staying grounded in practical, accessible methodologies.

Building a Sustainable Future

Ultimately, Muinín Catalyst STEAM Education for Sustainable Development is more than just a curriculum enhancement—it's a movement towards a sustainable future. Through its innovative project and place-based learning resources and interdisciplinary approach, MCSS equips both teachers and students with the tools they need to shape a better world, ensuring that future generations are prepared to meet the challenges ahead.

By integrating these resources into Transition Year, MCSS has the potential to create a transformative educational experience, bridging the gap between traditional learning and the real-world skills necessary for sustainable living and future-proof careers. 

The journey towards Futures Literacy starts in the classroom, but its impact extends far beyond.  The Future is Now. It is time to prepare today's students for today’s world.

If you are interested in using our resources with your learners or FREE CPD on Education for Sustainable Development and Futures Literacy please contact hello@futurefocus21c.com

You can read more about it here - 

https://www.futurefocus21c.com/post/futures-literacy-and-climate-resilience-preparing-for-the-future

And you can sign up here -  www.muinincatalyst.com and access the learning resources here www.muinincatalyst.com/ courses using the searchable platform 

MCSS was named as one of the Top 100 Global Teaching solutions at COP28