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Catalyst Lab is proud to present our Fall 2026 programs!
All of our core programs detailed below are, and always will be, fully free for youth.
Future Problem Solving (Global Issues Problem Solving)
English, grades 4-9
In the Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) program, kids respond to imagined “what if” future scenarios that describe real world problems. Teams of 3-4 work through a 6-step problem solving process to address five different topics throughout the school year. Students have the chance to qualify for the International Conference in June.
Program timeline: October 24th 2026 - April 2027 (Affiliate Bowl: April 2027, International Conference: June 2027)
Program schedule: Saturday 12:45-2:45
Science Catalysts
Science Fair
French/English, secondary 1 - secondary 3
By building their own science fair project, secondary school youth explore their curiosity through hands-on science, developing research skills, scientific thinking, and the confidence to bring their own ideas to life. With access to materials, resources, and the guidance of a dedicated one-on-one mentor, students are supported from the first spark of an idea all the way through to a finished project. From there, they'll present their work at a real science fair, with the opportunity to qualify for the Montreal-Laval regional fair.
Program timeline: November 2026 - March 2027 (Catalyst Lab fair: February 2027, Regional fair: March 2027)
Program schedule: Workshops take place Saturday 1:15 - 2:45 every 3-4 weeks. Individual mentorship is virtual and takes place weekly or biweekly according to the schedule of your child and the mentor they are matched with.
Défi apprenti génie
English/French, grades 3-6
The Défi apprenti génie invites primary school students to design and build an engineering prototype that meets a specific mission while respecting strict size, weight, and material restrictions. Each year, students tackle 6 unique technological challenges while fostering creativity, critical thinking, perseverance, and a passion for engineering and science at an early age.
Program timeline: November 2026 - December 2026 (Cohort 1), January 2026 - May 2027 (Cohort 2)
Program schedule: Saturday 1:30-2:45 (Cohort 1)
Math Club
English/French, grades 3-11
The Math Club invites youth from all grades to participate in engaging math activities and contests to develop advanced problem-solving skills, build confidence, and discover a deeper enjoyment of mathematics beyond regular schoolwork. Our program emphasizes logic puzzles and creative problem solving as opposed to computation. Mentors are on hand throughout to help prepare participants and guide them as they work toward each contest. Youth participate in math contests organized by the University of Waterloo (Pascal, Cayley, Fermat, Galois, Hypatia, Gauss), the Canadian Math Kangaroo Contest, and the Math League.
Program timeline: October 31 2026 - March 2027 (Cohort 1), March 2027 - May 2027 (Cohort 2)
Program schedule: Saturday 3:00-4:15 (Cohort 1)
Catalyst Hackers
Space Coding
French/English, grades 7-11
In our space coding program, youth will learn basic Python skills as they solve space-related programming challenges and projects. As part of the program, students will complete Astro-Pi’s Mission Zero, where they write a program to create personalized images on an Astro Pi computer on board the International Space Station, allowing them to have their code run in space!
Program timeline: October 31 2026 - December 19, 2026 (Cohort 1), January 2027 - February 2027 (Cohort 2)
Program schedule: Saturday 3:00-4:15 (Cohort 1)
Astro Pi- Mission Space Lab
French/English, grades 7-11
Mission Space Lab invites young people to run their own code on the International Space Station (ISS), giving them an unforgettable opportunity to conduct real science in space. Teams write a Python program that captures sensor data from Raspberry Pi computers on board the ISS to use in their very own space science projects.
Registration: Winter session
Workshops & events
Curious what else we have going on? We run special events all year in addition to our regular programs!
School & community outreach
Want to bring Catalyst Lab programs to your school or community centre?
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