Time needed: 60 minutes
Materials needed:
Important Note: Snacks and food should be prepared with considerations for food allergies such as nuts and gluten.
Video List :
For a longer list of videos for each field, check out the list at the bottom of each section in the activity.
Setup:
STEM has helped us discover everything from things smaller than our eyes can see to bones of dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago and things as big as a new planet. People have discovered new animal and plant species here on earth and entire galaxies far away from our own.
You can use also use STEM to invent and build new things that make life easier and more fun, like bicycles, airplanes, and board games.
Activity:
Explore careers in STEM by learning about six different STEM fields, watching a video from a STEM professional and completing a challenge for each field.
Field 1: Computer Science
The field of computer science focuses on the study of computers, the internet, and how they’re used. There are programmers, whose job it is to write code that can build websites, animate movies, design apps, program video games, and so much more. There are also cybersecurity professionals whose job it is to keep computer networks, systems, and information safe.
Here are some ways you can make a difference with a career in computer science:
To explore what it’s like to have a career in computer science:
If you want to learn more about the field, check out these other profiles and videos from IF/THEN Ambassadors:
Field 2: Creative Technology & Design
The field of creative technology and design combines art, design, and computer science to create things that are both useful and fun, from apps to sound effects. For example, people working in the field might build clothing that lights up or that responds when the weather is hot or cold. They might design buildings or new products, from sneakers to lighting systems, using computer software. They might even build their ideas with technology like a 3D printer.
Here are some ways you can make a difference with a career in creative technology and design:
To explore what it’s like to have a career in creative technology and design:
If you want to learn more about the field, check out these other profiles and videos from IF/THEN Ambassadors:
Field 3: Engineering
The field of engineering focuses on building things like bridges, cars, and other products. Engineers look for ways to improve and create new products that make life easier and more efficient. They may work in many different areas, with careers designing things like prosthetics for the medical field, agricultural systems to grow more food, or clean energy systems that aren’t harmful to the environment.
Here are some ways you can make a difference with a career in engineering:
To explore what it’s like to have a career in engineering:
If you want to learn more about the field, check out these other profiles and videos from IF/THEN Ambassadors:
Field 4: Food & Agriculture
The field of food and agriculture focuses on growing, cooking, and consuming food. While you may think of a chef, baker, or farmer, there are tons of careers that help to feed the world!
Here are some ways you can make a difference with a career in food and agriculture:
To explore what it’s like to have a career in food and agriculture:
If you want to learn more about the field, check out these other profiles and videos from IF/THEN Ambassadors:
Field 5: Health & Wellness
The field of health and wellness focuses on helping people. Medical professionals specialize in all different things, like treating patients (children, adults, or the elderly); studying a disease, such as cancer or diabetes; or becoming an expert on a part of the body, like the heart (cardiology) or brain (neurology).
Here are some ways you can make a difference with a career in health and wellness:
To explore what it’s like to have a career in health and wellness:
Tip: If you’re having a hard time finding your pulse, try doing some jumping jacks first!
If you want to learn more about the field, check out these other profiles and videos from IF/THEN Ambassadors:
Field 6: Nature & the Environment
The field of nature and the environment focuses on science, nature, space, and the outdoors. People in this field might look at rocks and fossils, study plants or animals, go to space, or explore the ocean. There are also people whose job it is to take care of all different types of animals.
Here are some ways you can make a difference with a career in nature and the environment:
To explore what it’s like to have a career in nature and the environment:
If you want to learn more about the field, check out these other profiles and videos from IF/THEN Ambassadors:
And that’s it! You've explored how STEM can help to make a difference, and now you know more about careers in STEM. Even more, you’ve watched videos to hear directly from STEM professionals and completed challenges related to six different fields of STEM.
If you had fun doing this, you might want to continue exploring your interests and how you can change the world with the Junior STEM Career Exploration badge.
If you want to continue learning more about STEM, search for STEM Journeys and Badges for Juniors on the Girl Scout Award and Badge Explorer.
Troop Leaders: The instructions for all badge steps are available free of charge in the Girl Scout Volunteer Toolkit.
Girl Scout Activity Zone activities have been adapted from existing Girl Scout programming.
Adapted from Steps 2 and 3 of the Junior STEM Career Exploration badge. Contact your troop leader or your local Girl Scout council to become a Girl Scout member and learn all the requirements needed to earn the badge.
Made possible by a generous grant from Lyda Hill Philanthropies.