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Activities
These practical activities will engage students in a series of careers related interactions. Designed to encourage research, exploration and discussion about careers, how they are perceived and how students can recognise their own potential for a future STEM linked career.
- STEM HEROES: Students look at how some STEM heroes have made discoveries and invented technologies that have changed our lives for the better.
- STEM STEREOTYPES: Students consider famous inventors, engineers, scientists or computing experts from the movies and explore what the movies and TV have to say about people in STEM.
- CAREERS BEHIND THE SCENES: Students use internet research to find out about a ‘hidden’ or unusual career in Design and Technology, Engineering or Computing in the film or TV industries and share their discoveries with their peers in a ‘living credits’ presentation.
- GET INTO STEM: Students research a course that would provide the education and training for entry into interesting STEM jobs and present their ideas at a ‘STEM course fair’.
- SAVE THE WORLD WITH STEM: Students research a STEM job that might help humanity survive a future catastrophe and describe how their skills make them a great choice for that role.
- MEET A STEM AMBASSADOR: Students plan to meet and interview a STEM ambassador or ex-student who has gone on to a STEM career.
Each activity identifies 2 to 3 essential employability skills as recognised by the Skills Builder Partnership and explores key STEM related careers. All activities provide extension and differentiation ideas, ensuring they are suitable for all abilities. The free downloadable booklet contains guidance notes for the educator and the students making it easy to use, no matter the experience or background of the deliverer.
Participating in these activities will broaden understanding and awareness of STEM subjects, stretch capabilities, enhance key employability skills and provide opportunities to learn about potential careers and STEM related roles. Enabling students to feel a sense of achievement, improved confidence and able to link STEM subjects with desired employment attributes.
The booklet can be used to support Gatsby careers benchmarks. The activities enable students to explore STEM subjects whilst gaining valuable transferable key skills sort by future employers. Fully supported by the Skills Builder Partnership the activities provide opportunities to build on recognised skills:
Communication
- Listening – ability to listen and understand information
- Speaking – vocal communication of information or ideas.
Creative Problem solving
- Problem Solving – ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge
- Creativity – use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.
Self-Management
- Staying Positive – ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals
- Aiming High – ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.
Inter-personal
- Leadership – supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
- Teamwork – working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.