Why Choose STEM
Why Consider Careers in STEM (1:23)
“You ought to consider a career in STEM, because for one thing, they’re good jobs and they pay well and they give you a sense of independence.”
Role models in order of appearance: Stacy Shuker Reece, Theresia Gouw, Daisy Galeana, Erica Bozeman, Ph.D., and Jamie Dolkas.
1) The first role model in the video said that a career in STEM provides you with independence in your life. Why is independence an important thing to have in your life?
2) In the video, we learned that “math and science dictates everything in life.” Do you agree with that statement? Why or why not? Explain some ways math and science impact your everyday life.
3) The video said that a career in STEM can help “close” the wage gap between men and women. What is the wage gap? How would choosing a career in STEM help close it?
4) Many STEM jobs pay more than other jobs. Why do you think this is so?
5) In the video, we learned that some STEM careers begin with a salary of $60,000 per year. How can earning such a high wage help better your life?
6) Employment in STEM jobs tend to last longer than employment in other types of jobs. Why do you think this is so? Why would this be a desirable thing?
7) STEM careers include professions in science, technology, engineering, and math. If you were to choose a STEM career, which one would you choose and why?
You ought to consider a career in STEM, because for one thing, they’re good jobs and they pay well and they give you a sense of independence.
I would really love to see more and more young girls pursue science, technology, engineering, and math, even if that’s not what you end up doing in your day-to-day life.
Imagine when you’re in high school and you’re thinking about what careers would you like to have. You have to set up, one, what’s your passion? And two, how much money you want to make.
I think that young women in particular should pursue careers in math and science, because basically math and science kind of dictates everything around us, whether it’s technology– you need to have a strong background in math and science.
You have the ability to live independently and live a good life. And one of the things that STEM-related careers can do is offer you the kind of money that you need to have that glamorous lifestyle.
So STEM careers, especially an engineer in mechanical engineering, they’re very powerful. Once you graduate from college, you can actually start a salary with $60,000 a year.
Women entering those fields is a really important step toward closing the wage gap. These jobs pay more. They’re more likely to last. Stick it out and get into those fields.
Independent Learning Guide: This all-purpose guide can be used by educators, parents, and mentors to jumpstart a lively discussion about STEM careers.
Classroom Lesson Plan: This step-by-step lesson plan is available to guide a more in-depth “before, during, and after” learning experience when viewing the video with students. This lesson plan is also suitable for use in after-school programs and other educational settings.
Use Empowerment Activities as a fun way to reinforce the video topic and build community with your students.
Related Empowerment Lessons:
Fun Page Activity: You know that STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, but did you know that some of the coolest jobs around require a STEM degree?