STEM Superpowers Lesson Plan
STEM Superpowers
Instructional Facilitation Guide
Duration 30-40 min
Learning Objective
Introduce students to various STEM careers, helping them recognize the diverse opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields while envisioning their own potential in these roles.
The "Why"
Understanding STEM careers early helps students envision their future, connects learning to real-world applications, and sparks interest in critical fields that drive innovation and solve global challenges.
Quick Info
Audience: 4th-5th Grade
Approach: Discussion + Search
Materials:
- iPads or computers
- Career Exploration Worksheet
- Slide Deck
Teacher Preparation
- • Review the Your STEM Superpowers! Slide Deck and Career Exploration Worksheet.
- • Ensure iPads/computers have access to:
money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-stem-jobs
- • Print and copy the Career Exploration Worksheet for each student.
Lesson Flow
1
Introduction: What is STEM?
5 Minutes
• Begin with a brief discussion on what STEM stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
• Ask students if they know someone who works in a STEM field and what that person does.
• Introduce the concept of STEM careers and their importance in solving real-world problems.
• Use the Slide Deck to guide this initial activation of background knowledge.
2
Education Needed
5 Minutes
• Explain the different options for college: trade schools, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees.
• Briefly discuss how different STEM careers might require different levels of education.
• Refer to the Slide Deck for visual aids and talking points to keep definitions simple and relatable.
3
Career Exploration Activity
20-30 Minutes
• Distribute the Career Exploration Worksheet to each student.
• Instruct students to use their devices to access the U.S. News & World Report's "Best STEM Jobs" rankings.
• Guide students to find the top 3 STEM jobs they are personally interested in.
• Students will fill out their worksheet, noting the job title, description, skills needed, and their interest. Provide support as they navigate technical terms.
• Wrap-up: Encourage students to share one interesting job they found with a partner or the class.
STEM Superpowers Slides
Your STEM
Superpowers!
Science: Exploring how the world works
Technology: Creating tools to make life easier
Engineering: Designing and building solutions
Math: Using numbers to understand things
Do you know someone who works in STEM?
Real-World Hero Work
STEM helps us solve the world's biggest problems!
- Curing diseases and saving lives
- Building amazing new technology
- Protecting our planet and environment
- Creating new ways to travel
High Demand!
STEM careers are growing fast and are exciting! You might already have a STEM superpower.
Many Paths to Success!
How do you get to a STEM career? There isn't just one way.
Trade School
Learn hands-on skills for jobs like electrician or welder.
Associate's
2 Years
Technical jobs like nurse or computer tech.
Bachelor's
4 Years
Most scientists, engineers, and developers.
Master's+
6+ Years
Specialized research, doctors, or professors.
Your Mission!
Explore the STEM Job Hunt:
Find 3 STEM jobs that sound interesting to YOU using the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-stem-jobs
Fill Out Your Worksheet:
-
1
Job Title
-
2
Job Description
-
3
Skills Needed
-
4
Why does it sound cool?
Keep Exploring
STEM!
Reflect:
What was the most surprising job you found today? What is one thing you learned?
The Future:
Keep your eyes open for STEM all around you! Your future is bright with possibilities.
Be the next STEM Superhero
Career Exploration Worksheet
STEM Superpowers Mission Report
Student Hero Name
Date
Instructions:
Use the U.S. News & World Report website to find 3 STEM jobs that interest you. For each job, fill in the details below. Look for things that match your own interests and strengths!
STEM Job Discovery #1
Job Title
Job Description (What do they actually do?)
Skills Needed
e.g. Coding, Math, Creativity, Teamwork
Personal Interest
Why does this job sound cool to you?
STEM Job Discovery #2
Continue finding your next superpower on the next page...
STEM Job Discovery #2
Job Title
Job Description
Skills Needed
Personal Interest
STEM Job Discovery #3
Job Title
Job Description
Skills Needed
Personal Interest
Superhero Reflection
Out of the three jobs you found, which one is your #1 favorite and why?