One doesn’t need to look far to find handfuls of reports on labor trends and the educational assets our graduates will need to fill jobs related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.
According to the 2007 Department of Labor Report (The STEM Workforce Challenge: the role of the Public Workforce System in a National Solution for a Competitive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce) “American pre-eminence in STEM will not be secured or extended without effort and investments. Trends in K-12 and higher education science and math preparation, coupled with demographic and labor trends, point to a serious challenge: our nation needs to increase the supply and quality of “knowledge workers” whose specialized skills enable them to work productively within STEM industries and occupations.”
In order to help students explore STEM careers, Iowa Public Television is providing a series of free ICN sessions related to STEM careers. During these sessions, students will have the opportunity to meet various professionals in IOWA who are working in STEM careers. Students also have an opportunity to see the professional on the job as we will be viewing a short video produced by IPTV during the session.
Educators know that in grades seven and eight, Iowa schools are required to offer career education including exploration of career opportunities. This process is designed to help students complete a high school and career development plan. (The 8th grade plan) These sessions are a great resource for schools needing to help students in this critical work in planning their futures. Sign up today!
Prosthetist and Orthotist
In this session, students will interact with a prosthetist/orthotist who knows first hand what it's like to be one of his patients. A farm accident resulted in the loss of his leg as a teenager. During his recovery and rehabilitation, he became very interested in the technology used in prosthetics and orthotics.
During this session he will talk with your students about how he uses math, science and technology in his job. He will also share his rewarding experience of working with patients at Walter Reed Hospital as they return from the war.
