Learn about a career in logistics from a warehouse scheduler who shares how he gets to use his communication skills and education in technology and management to coordinate the daily flow of trucks in and out of his company’s large warehouse.
Watch a software developer explain how a love of math, science, and the creative process led him to pursue a career in information systems.
Meet a cardiac sonographer at the Cleveland Clinic who uses an ultrasound machine and probe to obtain amazing images of the heart, so doctors can diagnose problems.
Many sound engineers creatively use technology to produce audio for music, radio, film, and television. To prepare for this career path, studying media arts and science would be beneficial.
Meet a warehouse manager who explains how he uses supply chain computer technology to monitor inbound and outbound products in his rewarding job in a large, 24/7, warehouse operation.
Hear from a transportation supervisor of a company that relies heavily on vehicle use in its day-to-day operations. Learn about this career that involves maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing costs
Watch three web developers explain how teamwork and a creative mindset are the building blocks of their trade in making computer code efficient and their websites intuitive and user-friendly.
A professional site offering an expansive listing of over 185 career profiles. Included are lists of employers and degree granting universities, salary data, professional associations, and descriptions of different types of academic degrees. Numerous links to valuable resources. Highly recommended site.
A career as a Radiation Therapist is profiled.Included: Radiation Therapist overview, Preparation, Day In The Life, Earnings, Employment, Career Path Forecast, Professional Organizations.
Learn about the Chandra X-Ray Observatory's telescope system, science instruments, and spacecraft system in this interactive activity adapted from NASA.
In this chemistry and engineering-based activity, students will take on the role of environmental engineers as they are challenged to investigate the best building materials for Mars. To kick off the exploration, they will look at concrete and other key construction materials used on Earth today, considering their properties, pros, cons, and environmental impact. Next, students will investigate the best way to build structures on Mars. They will learn about 3D printing—which is how structures are likely to be built—and they will consider the natural resources available on Mars that could serve as building materials. They will ultimately develop a recommendation to be used in Martian construction moving forward.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone.
Students learn about gear ratios and power by operating toy mechanical cranes of differing gear ratios. They attempt to pick up objects with various masses to witness how much power must be applied to the system to oppose the force of gravity. They learn about the concept of gear ratio and practice calculating gear ratios on worksheets, discovering that smaller gear ratios are best for picking objects up quickly, and larger gear ratios make it easier to lift heavy objects.
Students are challenged to design a method for separating steel from aluminum based on magnetic properties as is frequently done in recycling operations. To complicate the challenge, the magnet used to separate the steel must be able to be switched off to allow for the recollection of the steel. Students must ultimately design, test, and present an effective electromagnet.
Students observe and discuss a simple balloon model of an electrostatic precipitator to better understand how this pollutant recovery method functions in cleaning industrial air pollution.
As if they are environmental engineers, student pairs are challenged to use Google Earth Pro (free) GIS software to view and examine past data on hurricanes and tornados in order to (hypothetically) advise their state government on how to proceed with its next-year budget—to answer the question: should we reduce funding for natural disaster relief? To do this, students learn about maps, geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS), and how they are used to deepen the way maps are used to examine and analyze data. Then they put their knowledge to work by using the GIS software to explore historical severe storm (tornado, hurricane) data in depth. Student pairs confer with other teams, conduct Internet research on specific storms and conclude by presenting their recommendations to the class. Students gain practice and perspective on making evidence-based decisions. A slide presentation as well as a student worksheet with instructions and questions are provided.
Students will learn the basic constructs of a video game using the Scratch interface. Students use Scratch to learn about algorithms and event-driven programming. Object-oriented concepts are introduced through the use of sprites and the stage. Students use critical thinking and creativity to complete and enhance Hungry Mouse, a game that they develop using Scratch.
Estimated time required: 2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop.
In this lesson, students learn how to use computer programming (coding) to control the BBC Micro:bit! They will be able to define computer programming and coding, write their first program for the BBC Micro:bit, and watch their ideas come to life.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
In this lesson, students learn to how to program different inputs and outputs on the Micro:bit. Students will define inputs and outputs by viewing an educational video. Then, they will program inputs and outputs on the Micro:bit, such as buttons, lights, shake sensor, and pins.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
In this lesson, students learn how to make two Micro:bits "talk" to each other wirelessly by using the radio feature. In addition, they will learn how to use “IF” statements to encrypt information in order to create a wireless communication device for VilBot.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
In this lesson, students learn how to design and code a custom Micro:bit Game by using advanced coding features like if statements, while loops, and variables.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.