Eau Claire, Wis (September 5, 2024) – Realityworks, a leading innovator in educational solutions, is proud to announce that its Educational Aquaponics System has been honored with a 2024 Educators Pick Best of STEM® Award in the CTE Champion: STEM: Plant Science category. The system was recognized for its innovation, cross-disciplinary approach, and focus on providing students with opportunities to address real-world challenges.
The Best of STEM Awards, hosted by Catapult X, is the only awards program judged exclusively by STEM educators. In partnership with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), MCH Strategic Data, and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), the program highlights breakthrough technologies and resources that enrich student engagement in STEM. Judges evaluated finalists through a rigorous, two-part review process that involved expert educators and a survey of more than 267,000 STEM educators.
“We are honored to receive this award,” said Realityworks President Adam Kleinman. “Our goal has always been to create educational tools that spark curiosity, engage students in real-world learning, and prepare them for successful futures, and STEM skills are particularly vital to industry today.”
Realityworks’ Educational Aquaponics System gives students hands-on opportunities to experiment with aquaponic growth methods, from testing water quality to understanding the symbiotic relationships between fish and plants. Designed to support STEM learning, the system encourages students to engage in lab work and explore topics like fish and plant care.
Created with today’s classrooms in mind, the system is sized to fit through standard doorways and is easy to maneuver. It includes standards-aligned lessons, student activities and assessments, plus a detailed how-to guide to ensure novice aquaponics users are successful.
“It’s a privilege to be acknowledged with this award,” said Realityworks Education Programs Manager Jamey McIntosh. “At Realityworks, we are passionate about listening to educators and developing tools that not only engage their students but also enhance classroom learning. We take great pride in creating resources that align with teachers’ instructional goals and help prepare students for real-world success.”
Realityworks’ Educational Aquaponics System belongs to an award-winning STEM product line, including an Educational Hydroponics System that won a 2021 Edison Award for STEAM-centered creative learning. Realityworks continues to look for other product development opportunities to engage today’s students in needed careers within CTE, STEM, and areas with a skills gap.
For more information about Realityworks’ products and programs, visit www.realityworks.com.
About Catapult X
Founded by Daylene Long, Catapult X is a product and market development company that consults with STEM and CTE industry partners—organizations, businesses, and associations—to catapult their brands and products forward using data-informed insights.
About Realityworks, Inc.
Established over 25 years ago, Realityworks, Inc. is dedicated to creating experiential learning tools that engage students, help educators teach needed skills and provide career exploration opportunities. Realityworks comprehensive learning solutions combine curriculum with hands-on learning tools, student activities and assessments to create innovative classroom-based learning environments that make a difference. These solutions are used in middle, secondary and post-secondary schools to address a variety of Career & Technical Education pathways, including health & human services, health sciences, welding and trade skills, agriculture education, sex education and more. With simulators in more than 70 percent of U.S. school districts and programs in more than 90 countries around the world, Realityworks has made a worldwide impact on the lives of youth all over the world. For more information, visit www.realityworks.com, or call toll-free 800-830-1416.
