Science.7.4.C

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The student is expected to research and explore resources such as museums, libraries, professional organizations, private companies, online platforms, and mentors employed in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field to investigate STEM careers.
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Knowledge and Skills Statement

Scientific and engineering practices. The student knows the contributions of scientists and recognizes the importance of scientific research and innovation on society.

The further explanation is designed to be a resource for educators that helps them better understand the topic their students are learning. Further explanations may be written at a more complex level than would be expected for students at the grade level.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations List was developed to analyze STEM occupations in Texas. This resource can be used as a reference by educators to inform programming and when advising students about education requirements in different STEM careers. The Texas Education Agency used criteria to determine which occupations align with the STEM definition in Texas. Texas has defined STEM as a methodology of applying content to innovate products or processes to solve problems. Occupations on the STEM List require employees to use science and math to design solutions using technology regularly.

Glossary terms and definitions are consistent across kindergarten through high school in the TEKS Guide. The definitions are intended to give educators a common understanding of the terms regardless of what grade level they teach. Glossary definitions are not intended for use with students.

a new product; a new way of doing something; a new way of thinking

Research

Kier, Meredith, Margaret R. Blanchard, and Jennifer L. Albert. “Connecting Students to STEM Careers.” Science Scope, 37. no. 6 (February 2014): 72–76. http://www.nsta.org/science-scope/science-scope-february-2014/connecting-students-stem-careers

Summary: Students in this article are introduced to STEM careers and different jobs in the STEM field. There are many misconceptions students have about STEM careers, one being that STEM careers do not allow for creativity. It is important for students to understand how what they learn in class connects to the real world and how it can be used in their future careers. Many students may not have much exposure to STEM careers if they don’t learn about them at school. In this article, students are introduced to STEM careers that use the skills they have recently learned in class and are allowed to discuss which careers interest them. Teachers can also use virtual field trips to teach students about STEM careers.