Connecting STEM to Career in the Secondary Classroom

This book provides educators with practical strategies to rekindle students' interest in STEM-M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical) careers at the secondary level. With examples and strategies connecting STEM content to real-world careers, your students can begin see themselves and their future in your classroom. Chapters are divided into three sections, STEM Engagement and Career Readiness, Designing Lessons and Classroom Community Resources, and Teachers' Toolbox. The authors offer actionable techniques, such as daily career spotlights, start-of-class attention-getters and weekly alphabet-based career explorations. There are also step-by-step lesson plans, resources and interactive activities. It also includes testimonials and examples from the field to guide teachers in creating a career-oriented learning environment focused on students' growth. Ideal for any secondary educator teaching a STEM or STEM-adjacent material, this resource helps make lessons both accessible and exciting. In introducing a wide variety of careers, from highly skilled professions to trade-based opportunities, you can use this book to ensure every student gains exposure a career path that resonates with their interests and abilities.

Erica Meyers is a secondary science teacher in Minnesota, USA. Bonnie Boyd is a veteran teacher of 20 years and currently a secondary science teacher in Minnesota, USA. Felicia Leammukda is an Associate Professor of Science Education at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, USA.

1. Introduction Part I: Stem Engagement and Career Readiness 2. Student Identity and Disengagement 3. Engagement and Purposeful Learning 4. Career Ready or Not 5. History of Stem and Stem Education Part II: Designing Lessons and Community Resources 7. Creating Community Resources 8. Twenty-six Ways to Spark a Dream 9. Leveraging AI to Increase Efficiency and Promote Stem Careers in the Classroom Part III: Teachers' Toolbox 10. Tool 1: Framework for Community Based Resources 11. Tool 2: Artificial Intelligence Resources 12. Tool 3: A to Z Careers