“STEM occupations on average will grow faster than non-STEM occupations and provide higher wages”  – Bureau of Labor Statistics

STEM education prepares students for what’s next by bridging the gap between academics and careers. Through the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics students learn how to solve complex real-world problems. Using a STEM approach helps students build valuable problem-solving skills as they develop and apply solutions to important real-world challenges.

Developing High Demand Skills

STEM uses hands-on activities to help strengthen student comprehension of core academic content and to develop the 4C’s: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking skills. Developing the 4C’s is an essential step toward preparing students to enter the workforce where these skills are in high demand. As a result of creating an engaging classroom experience, students begin asking questions and solving problems instead of simply memorizing answers.

Creating Connections to Career Skills

The STEM approach utilizes industry practices with academic knowledge to solve problems. This approach provides students with an opportunity to experience careers first-hand, by providing students with the knowledge to identify their career interests, competencies, and aptitudes.

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

Kent ISD is offering a series of professional learning opportunities designed to provide teachers with the resources and skills needed to implement STEM lessons and cover a variety of problems and industry topics.

Arduino Programming (Industrial Robotics), Grades 8-12
This session was designed for teachers unfamiliar with coding and electronics. Teachers will learn how to give students an opportunity to learn career skills with real industrial equipment. Arduino is an open-source platform used for building electronics projects, that consist of both a physical programmable circuit board and a piece of software. Learners explore Arduino in a hands-on, constructive way as they work through the kits and explore career opportunities for industrial robotics.

3D Printing, Grades 3-12
Teachers will learn fundamental skills to provide 3D printing projects in the classroom. 3D modeling and printing combine computer skills with problem solving and imagination. Using 3D printing in education brings in elements of geometry, science, design, and logic along with creativity and exposure to innovative career opportunities to the classroom.

Unmanned Vehicles, Grades 6-12
Your students will have a unique opportunity to use and fly an unmanned aerial vehicle. Although this session is science focused and includes physics content, it also has applications to most core content areas including social studies, earth science, and mathematics. Many career pathways leverage UAVs including conservation, shipping, agriculture, construction, robotics, and computer science.

Autonomous Vehicles in the Classroom, Grades 6-9
Teachers are empowered to bring coding skills into their classroom using Scratch coding with autonomous cars. They can be programmed to move, light up, avoid obstacles, self-park, and more. These cars ignite curiosity and confidence while providing a fun way to develop college and career readiness.

littleBits, Grades K-5
The littleBits kit is composed of color-coded and magnetic electronic building blocks. They are interchangeable making technology simple and fun. This resource empowers students to invent anything from a sibling alarm to a wireless robot.

How Can We Support Your Classroom?

Kent ISD STEM Consultants can help you connect STEM instruction with high demand career skills. Contact them today to find out how they can be a valuable resource to your classroom.

This blog post was written by Rick Mushing and Gerry Verwey, STEM Consultants for Career Readiness at Kent ISD and edited by Amanda Walma, Professional Development Coordinator at Kent ISD.