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Your STEM Superpowers!

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Lesson Plan

Your STEM Superpowers!

Introduce students to various STEM careers, helping them recognize the diverse opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Understanding STEM careers early helps students envision their future, connects learning to real-world applications, and sparks interest in critical fields that drive innovation and solve global challenges.

Audience

4th-5th Grade

Time

30-40 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and guided online career exploration.

Materials

iPads or computers with internet access, and Career Exploration Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is STEM? (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what STEM stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
  • Ask students if they know someone who works in a STEM field and what that person does.
  • Introduce the concept of STEM careers and their importance in solving real-world problems.
  • Use the Your STEM Superpowers! Slide Deck to guide this discussion.

Step 2

Education Needed (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Explain the different options for college: trade schools, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees.
  • Briefly discuss how different STEM careers might require different levels of education.
  • Refer to the Your STEM Superpowers! Slide Deck for visual aids and talking points.

Step 3

Career Exploration Activity (20-30 minutes)

20-30 minutes

  • Distribute the Career Exploration Worksheet to each student.
  • Instruct students to use their iPads or computers to access the U.S. News & World Report's "Best STEM Jobs" rankings (link: https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-stem-jobs).
  • Guide students to find the top 3 STEM jobs they are interested in.
  • Students will fill out their Career Exploration Worksheet, noting the job title, description, skills needed, and whether they are interested in this career. Provide support and answer questions as they explore.
  • Encourage students to share one interesting job they found with a partner or the class if time permits.
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Slide Deck

Your STEM Superpowers!

What is STEM?

  • Science: Exploring how the world works
  • Technology: Creating tools to make life easier
  • Engineering: Designing and building solutions
  • Mathematics: Using numbers and patterns to understand things


    Think about it: Do you know anyone who works in a STEM field? What do they do?

Welcome students and set an energetic tone. Explain that STEM is all around them and they might already be using STEM skills without realizing it. Ask engaging questions to get them thinking.

Why Are STEM Careers Important?

  • STEM helps us solve real-world problems!
    • Curing diseases
    • Building amazing technology
    • Protecting our planet
    • Creating new ways to travel


      - STEM careers are growing and exciting!
  • You might have a STEM superpower too!

Explain that STEM careers are super important for solving big problems in the world, like curing diseases or building cool new tech. Give a few examples relevant to their age group (e.g., designing video games, inventing new medicines, building safe bridges).

Education for STEM: Many Paths to Success!

  • Trade Schools: Learn specific skills for hands-on jobs (e.g., electrician, welder, IT support)
  • Associate's Degree (2 years): Often leads to technical jobs or transfers to a 4-year college (e.g., nursing, computer technician)
  • Bachelor's Degree (4 years): The most common path for many professional STEM careers (e.g., scientist, engineer, software developer)
  • Master's/Doctorate Degrees (6+ years): For specialized research or advanced roles (e.g., doctor, university professor, advanced researcher)

Break down the different educational paths simply. Emphasize that there are many ways to get a great STEM job, not just one path. Use relatable examples for each type of education if possible.

Explore Your Future: STEM Career Hunt!

  • We're going to explore real STEM jobs!
  • Your Mission: Find 3 STEM jobs that sound interesting to YOU using the U.S. News & World Report website.
  • Fill out your Career Exploration Worksheet:
    • Job Title
    • Job Description
    • Skills Needed
    • Your Personal Interest (Why does this job sound cool?)

Introduce the activity. Explain clearly how to use the website and the worksheet. Remind them to focus on jobs that genuinely interest them. Circulate to help students access the website and understand the task.

Keep Exploring STEM!

  • What was the most surprising STEM job you found?
  • What did you learn about STEM today?
  • Keep your eyes open for STEM all around you!


    Your future is bright with possibilities!

Conclude the lesson by encouraging students to keep thinking about STEM. Reinforce that even if they don't pursue STEM, the skills they learn are valuable. You can ask a few students to share their favorite discovery.

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Worksheet

Career Exploration Worksheet: Your STEM Superpowers!

Name: _____________________________

Instructions: Use the U.S. News & World Report website (or other provided resources) to find 3 STEM jobs that interest you. For each job, fill in the details below.

STEM Job 1

Job Title:


Job Description:





Skills Needed (e.g., problem-solving, creativity, math, coding, working with people):


My Personal Interest (What sounds cool or challenging about this job?):





STEM Job 2

Job Title:


Job Description:





Skills Needed (e.g., problem-solving, creativity, math, coding, working with people):


My Personal Interest (What sounds cool or challenging about this job?):





STEM Job 3

Job Title:


Job Description:





Skills Needed (e.g., problem-solving, creativity, math, coding, working with people):


My Personal Interest (What sounds cool or challenging about this job?):





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