C A R E E R
G U I D A N C E
W A S H I N G T O N
WHAT WILL I DO WITH MY LIFE?
GR 6-7 ▲ INTRODUCTION TO STEM
LESSON GOALS
► Students will define STEM.
► Students will identify reasons to consider STEM opportunities during middle and high school.
ALIGNMENT WITH STANDARDS
► Essential Academic Learning Requirements Grade 7 Grade Level Expectations: This lesson
is aligned with Communication 1.1.1 and Writing 1.5.1. Students will participate responsibly in a
small group discussion and prepare writing in an appropriate format.
► Common Core State Standards Grade 7: This lesson is aligned with English Language Arts
Speaking and Listening 1b and 1d and Writing 2d. Students will participate in discussions with a
group, acknowledging new information and qualifying or justifying their own views as needed. They
will demonstrate that they can accurately reiterate information and write in an appropriate format.
► American School Counselor Association National Standards: This lesson is aligned with
ASCA Career A1.3, A1.6, and C1.3. Students will articulate their personal interests and goals and
identify how those interests and goals influence the work they should do during school.
MATERIALS NEEDED
►
►
►
►
Computer, projector, screen for teacher to show What is STEM Power Point.
What is STEM Power Point file (script for the Power Point can be found in this packet).
STEM Interest Worksheet for classes planning to complete the Enrichment Activities.
WHAT is STEM Family Handout to share with families.
NOTE: This lesson focuses on Washington State’s status as a national leader in STEM fields, and
can be customized to feature the STEM resources in your school district.
CORE ACTIVITY
Define STEM. Launch the What is STEM Power Point and show the first slide. Ask students: Does
anyone know what “STEM” is? Ask students to work in small groups to brainstorm. Then ask one
volunteer from each group to write their group’s guess on the board. If you want, let the class vote on what
they think STEM means. See how many different definitions you get. (2 minutes)
CAREER GUIDANCE WASHINGTON ▲ WWW.K12.WA.US ▲OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Rev 12/11
Page 1
GRADE 6-7 ▲ INTRODUCTION TO STEM
Share the STEM presentation. Now move through the remainder of the slides in the What is STEM
Power Point. If you wish, there is a script included within this lesson plan document. The presentation will:
► Define STEM: STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. The presentation
provides examples of the different fields of study within each of these areas.
► Explain WHY a student should consider studying STEM: to learn exciting information, to be on
the forefront of cutting edge issues, and to put it all together by solving real world problems.
► Explain why STEM is particularly important in Washington State: because we are a leader in
technology and innovation, and because new jobs here increasingly require STEM.
► Explain how students can study STEM: note that this section can be supplemented with local
information from your school counselor. (12 minutes)
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Discuss what students have learned in STEM subjects so far. Divide students into small groups of two
or three. Give each group a piece of paper and ask them to fold it into quarters. Then have one person in
each group label each square on the paper: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math.
Now have each group to jot down what they have learned in school over the last several years in each of
these subject areas. For example, students might say that in Math they learned about fractions or how to
do long division; in Technology, students might say that they learned how to do research on the Internet.
(Note that students might have the most trouble thinking up examples for Engineering – encourage them to
think of everyday devices they use, such as computers or phones, and explain how they have learned to
use these devices.)
Then have them draw a circle at the intersection of the four parts of their paper and jot down ideas for
“putting it together” by using strong STEM skills to solve problems – maybe in space travel, or weather
forecasting, or climate change, or alternative energy.
After about five minutes, call the group back together and compare notes. You might want to record
students’ ideas on the board. Summarize the exercise by noting that your students have already learned a
lot about STEM but can learn much more! (10-15 minutes)
Explore STEM interests. Distribute a copy of the STEM Interest Worksheet and ask each student to
complete it. After they are finished, you might want to ask volunteers to share the subjects they’re most
interested in exploring during middle school and high school. If possible, you can share students’
worksheets with your school counselor to help connect students with STEM resources and opportunities in
your school district. (10 minutes)
CAREER GUIDANCE WASHINGTON ▲ WWW.K12.WA.US ▲OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Rev 12/11
Page 2
GRADE 6-7 ▲ INTRODUCTION TO STEM
EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES
Present STEM resources (OPTIONAL). If possible, have a school counselor or a staff person from your
local high school or school district visit your class or organize a STEM Fair to share information about the
STEM resources that are available for your students. Local resources might include:
►
►
►
►
Specialized math or science classes at your middle school and/or high school
Opportunities to test into honors or advanced math or science classes
A district-wide STEM school or magnet program
CTE, Tech Prep, or community/technical college STEM courses for students (such as video game
design, pre-engineering, etc.)
► STEM clubs, competitions, or activities (such as Math Olympiad, robotics club, etc.)
► Summer programs or camps in STEM fields
Discuss STEM plans with families. If you wish, have each student take home a copy of the What is
STEM Family Handout to share with their families. You can supplement this handout with local information
about opportunities and resources in your school district.
Your school might want to organize a STEM Fair to highlight all the STEM opportunities available for
students – at middle school and in high school.
WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCES
► Washington STEM: www.washingtonstem.org
► Washington State STEM Education Foundation: http://washingtonstemeducation.org/
► OSPI STEM Work Group: www.k12.wa.us/edleg/stem
► Science & STEM Education in Washington State (white paper):
www.k12.wa.us/Science/pubdocs/SciencewhitepaperFINAL.pdf
CAREER GUIDANCE WASHINGTON ▲ WWW.K12.WA.US ▲OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Rev 12/11
Page 3
C A R E E R
G U I D A N C E
W A S H I N G T O N
WHAT IS STEM? POWER POINT SCRIPT
Put this slide on the screen and ask students:
Does anyone know what “STEM” means?
Have groups brainstorm, then ask each group to write their guesses on the board.
Then move on to the next slide to start answering the question.
STEM is an acronym. That means that each letter in the word STEM stands for
something. The “S” in STEM stands for SCIENCE. There are many exciting types of
science you can study, including biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, geology,
astronomy, and even environmental studies.
Ask students to volunteer the most exciting thing they’ve studied in science.
The “T” in STEM stands for TECHNOLOGY. Do you want to be on the cutting edge of
new discoveries? If so, you may want to study technology. You can focus on computers
and software, or alternative energy, artificial intelligence, green technology such as solar
panels or wind turbines, or even biotechnology.
Ask students to call out ways they use technology in their everyday lives: their
phone, computer, car, the heat for your school, etc.
The “E” in STEM stands for ENGINEERING. Engineering is a process that solves a real
world problem by developing a new product or system. In engineering, a professional
identifies the problem, then brainstorms possible solutions after checking for challenges
or constraints. Next, the professional identifies an approach and builds a model or
prototype, and then refines the design. This is a circular process that strives for
continuous improvement.
Ask students to raise their hands if they’ve ever had an idea for a better way to do
something: for example, for more features on their better cell phone. If so, they
might be interested in engineering!
The “M” in STEM stands for MATHEMATICS. With math, we use numbers and equations
to help explain how the world works. When you get to high school, you’ll probably take a
lot more math… but you’ll find that it’s a lot of fun!
CAREER GUIDANCE WASHINGTON ▲ WWW.K12.WA.US ▲OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Rev 12/11
Page 4
WHAT IS STEM? POWER POINT SCRIPT, Continued
What’s most important about a STEM education isn’t just the four individual subjects.
Instead, it’s the fact that STEM will provide students with the abilities to USE strong
foundations in science, technology, engineering, and math to solve real world problems.
STEM classes are hands-on with lots of applied learning and opportunities to prepare for
college and career.
Ask students to stand up if they think they might be interested in studying STEM.
Encourage everyone to stand up! Tell them:
STEM subjects are very important in the world today. You need to know at least a little
about math and science just to live your life. Studying more about STEM can be very
exciting. You’ll learn how to solve problems. You’ll learn new things. You’ll explore cutting
edge ideas. And you’ll challenge yourself.
Another reason to study STEM subjects is because they are very important in the world
today. People with STEM skills can help solve climate change and deal with shortages of
natural resources, such as gasoline. They can help cure global diseases, such as
malaria. Studying STEM gives you skills for the future.
Here’s another reason to study STEM: STEM leads to good jobs! Jobs in STEM fields are
expected to grow 70% faster than growth for other types of occupations. That means
you’re more likely to find a job if you’ve studied STEM. And, with STEM skills you can
start out at a higher salary. STEM also gives you the chance to work in many exciting
career fields – from designing video games to creating silicon wafers for computers to
maybe even planning the next space mission.
Do you know why STEM is especially important here in Washington State? Ask
volunteers for their guesses. Then tell them:
We are a STEM leader in Washington State. We are ranked second in the US for
innovation and entrepreneurship, and we are fourth in the US for the number of
technology businesses. Washington will be even more STEM-focused in the future: by
2018, about 67% of all new jobs in the state will require STEM skills.
How can you learn STEM skills? Ask volunteers for answers. Then tell them:
The best way to learn STEM skills is to take STEM classes in school. That means you
should take match and science EVERY YEAR. In addition, if you are interested in STEM,
you can learn a lot by joining or starting a STEM club. Maybe you could join a chess club
or participate in Math Olympiad to build your math skills. Or you could join a robotics club
or participate in a science fair.
CAREER GUIDANCE WASHINGTON ▲ WWW.K12.WA.US ▲OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Rev 12/11
Page 5
WHAT IS STEM? POWER POINT SCRIPT, Continued
Another great way to learn STEM skills is to find out about STEM programs for middle
and high school. You can talk with << Name of school counselor>> if you are interested.
S/he can tell you about special classes you can take, as well as other opportunities.
<<This is a great place to get help from your school counselor to provide info on
the types of STEM programs offered in your district or through your local Tech
Prep Consortium.>>
Ask students if they have any questions.
CAREER GUIDANCE WASHINGTON ▲ WWW.K12.WA.US ▲OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Rev 12/11
Page 6
C A R E E R
G U I D A N C E
W A S H I N G T O N
WHAT WILL I DO WITH MY LIFE?
STEM INTEREST WORKSHEET
Name: _________________________________
Your STEM experience in school so far. What have you learned about STEM in your classes at school
this year? Write down a few things you have learned in each box.
SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING
MATHEMATICS
Putting it together. The power of STEM is not just studying these four separate disciplines. It is putting
your strong foundations to work to solve real world problems. What would you most like to do with STEM?
Are you interested in environmental science or marine biology? Are you interested in video game design or
robotics? Are you interested in designing a rocket to travel to outer space?
Here’s what I’d like to do with STEM knowledge:
CAREER GUIDANCE WASHINGTON ▲ WWW.K12.WA.US ▲OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Rev 12/11
Page 7
C A R E E R
G U I D A N C E
W A S H I N G T O N
WHAT WILL I DO WITH MY LIFE?
WHAT IS STEM?
FAMILY HANDOUT
WHAT IS STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, fields that are the underpinnings of
modern life. Every student studies STEM subjects during their school years, but students who are interested in
a STEM career not only take extra math and science courses but also learn to “put it all together” to use their
strong foundation of knowledge to solve real world problems.
► SCIENCE. The “S” in STEM stands for SCIENCE, and includes fields ranging from biology and
chemistry to physics, ecology, geology, astronomy, and even environmental studies.
► TECHNOLOGY. The “T” in STEM stands for TECHNOLOGY. Students who want to be on the cutting
edge of new discoveries may want to study technology. They can focus on computers and software, or
alternative energy, artificial intelligence, green technology, or biotechnology.
► ENGINEERING. The “E” in STEM stands for the process of ENGINEERING. The engineering process
is an approach to solving real world problems that leads to a new product or system.
► MATHEMATICS. The “M” in STEM stands for MATHEMATICS. A basic understanding of math
concepts is required for many career fields. Professional mathematicians use numbers and equations
to solve problems and help explain how the world works.
WHY STUDY STEM?
STEM fields are important in today’s technology-dependent world. They challenge students and help them do
better in school. Studying STEM also helps students after graduation: employment in STEM fields is projected
to grow 70% faster than growth for other occupations. STEM graduates on average are expected to enjoy better
employment prospects and higher starting salaries than graduates in non-STEM fields.
WHY IS STEM IMPORTANT IN WASHINGTON STATE?
Washington is a STEM leader. We are ranked second in the US for innovation and entrepreneurship, and we
are fourth in the US for the number of technology businesses. Washington will be even more STEM-focused in
the future: by 2018, about 67% of all new jobs in the state will require STEM skills.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT STEM OPPORTUNITIES?
Contact your students’ school counselor to learn more about local opportunities. To learn about STEM initiatives
throughout the state, please visit Washington STEM at www.washingtonstem.org. To learn more about STEM in
general, please visit Engineer Your Life at www.engineeryourlife.org or The Futures Channel at
www.thefutureschannel.com/stempipeline.
CAREER GUIDANCE WASHINGTON ▲ WWW.K12.WA.US ▲OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Rev 12/11
Page 8