A STEM Scavenger Hunt

Setting the Stage

When students think about careers they may be interested in pursuing, they are limited by their experience and knowledge of the different careers available to pursue. As Sir Isaac Newton so famously said, “If I have seen further than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants”. Likewise, the greater the variety of careers that students are exposed to, the further they will “see” when it comes to their own career development process. They cannot prepare for careers they don’t know exist! 

In our current world, the vast majority (estimates put this at 70% or more) of careers either require, or benefit from, some knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and/or math (STEM). This percentage will only increase in the future. In addition, people working in STEM-based industries earn 26% more on average and are less likely to experience job loss. In addition to developing a strong understanding of the importance of career development, students should also recognize that the STEM courses they are taking in school play a part in their future career options. 

Material & Preparation

• Arrange for computer and internet access for students working in pairs or groups.
• STEM Careers Scavenger Hunt Reproducible (1 per student) [Google Doc] [Word Doc] [PDF] - provide as a paper or e-copy
• STEM Careers Scavenger Hunt Exit Slip Reproducible (1 per student) [Google Doc] [Word Doc] [PDF] - provide as a paper or e-copy
• VR Headsets (optional)

What To Do

This activity will require several class periods to complete and can be completed as an individual, with a partner, or as a small group activity.  Students will need access to the internet through an electronic device such as a computer, tablet, or cell phone. VR headsets can be used to view the videos in Section 3, but are not required. 

If the teacher chooses to have students complete each section in the order presented, a short discussion and debrief should be conducted at the conclusion of each section. If resources are limited, teachers could use a “stations approach” and assign groups of students to start at different sections and proceed through until they have completed all sections. A class discussion and debrief could be held after all sections have been completed by all students. 

Instruct students to complete the various sections of the STEM Careers Scavenger Hunt as directed. In the Reproducible. Each section is labelled with instructions and the URLs necessary to complete the activity. 

• Section 1 is a short introduction to the website.
• Section 2 requires students to read the profiles of various individuals working in STEM-based careers, and answer short questions related to their careers. Students will need to search for the various profiles using the search tool on the website to find the information they need. It may be advisable to do an example with students before they start.
• Section 3 features a series of 360 videos on STEM-related careers. Instruct students to watch the videos and answer the reflection questions. It may be advisable to lead a class discussion to talk about how the featured careers are similar, as one question focuses specifically on this. 

Teachers could conclude these activities by providing students with the Exit Slip reproducible to help consolidate their thinking.