STEM is an in-demand field with tremendous opportunity. Not only are there a ton of open STEM jobs, but they also often pay more and allow you to be creative problem solvers!

Today you'll be exploring STEM career videos from the PBS STEM Career Labs.

Step 1 - Before watching any videos make a Know, Wonder, Learn (KWL) chart and fill in first two columns using the topic "STEM Careers". What do you already know about STEM careers and what do you wonder about STEM careers?

Step 2 - Select three STEM career videos from PBS STEM Career Labs library to watch.  

Step 3 - After you've watched the videos you are interested in, fill out what you learned about those careers in the "L" section of your KWL chart. 

Step 4 - Ask a family member or teacher to share something new you learned about one of the careers you explored and why you might be interested in that career using #FutureFridayTN and #LearningInPlaceTN!

Space Exploration will become more prevalent as we move into the future. STEM fields are excellent preparation for emerging careers in the aerospace field.

Today you will explore American Astronaut Scott Kelly's experience in space.

Step 2 - Read this NASA article that details how we can prepare to become astronauts. 

Step 3 - Write a letter to NASA where you detail what your experiences have been that make you an ideal candidate to be an astronaut (feel free to dream and create experiences here!).

STEAM careers are plentiful and varied. Fields as diverse as Herpetology, Genetics, Engineering, and even jewelry making are all considered STEAM careers!

Today you'll be exploring STEAM careers through a fun scavenger hunt.

Step 1 - Download the Fantastic Futures Flip Book from Scholastic.

Step 2 - Download, print, or copy the STEM Career Scavenger Hunt PDF.  

Step 3 - Explore the videos of a day in the life of your chosen careers, and learn facts such as education requirements and salary ranges. 

Step 4 - Ask a family member or teacher to share something new you learned about one of the careers you explored and why you might be interested in that career using #FutureFridayTN and #LearningInPlaceTN!

Robotics and technology have completely changed the field of manufacturing. People that work in advanced manufacturing have the opportunity to program robots, code new technologies, and design new inventions. Today you'll explore different careers in this exciting field! 

Step 1 -Watch this video to learn about what the advanced manufacturing field is and the types of careers available in this field. 

Step 2 - Virtually tour the Arconic Advanced Manufacturing plant in Alcoa, TN.

Step 3 - As you watch the virtual tour of the Arconic Factory, complete this Future Self - Arconic exploration activity. 

Step 4 - In your Da Vinci notebook, design an advanced manufacturing facility. Think about the following questions. 

What would you make there? 

What kinds of careers might there be at this facility?

How would you use STEM to help manufacture your products?

Step 5 -Talk to a family member about what you learned about Advanced Manufacturing and whether or not you might like to work in this field. Ask them to share your thoughts and tag it #FutureFridayTN!

Many students dream of being professional athletes. However, it also is important to have a back-up plan in case that doesn’t work out. Did you know that there are many careers in the sports field that allow you to practice your STEM skills and habits? Today we're going to learn about several of them! 

Step 1 - Watch the All Star Virtual Field Trip to learn about careers in sports marketing and communications in the National Basketball Association. As you listen to the interviews, ask yourself, how do these people use STEM in their careers everyday?

Step 2 - During or after you watch the video, complete the NBA STEM Discovery guide to track how sports marketers use creativity and perseverance - two critical STEM skills. 

Step 3 - Ask a parent or teacher to help you sign up for a free Everfi Endeavor account if you do not already have one. 

Step 4 - Complete the Everfi Endeavor Data Champions course to learn about the use of data in sports. Take note of the new careers you learned about. Feel free to try out the other Endeavor career modules as well! 

Step 5 - Ask a family member or teacher to share something new you learned about one of the careers you explored and why you might be interested in that career using #FutureFridayTN and #LearningInPlaceTN!