Iowa Public Television

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!

Health Professions

Staff and program administrators from Indian Hills Community College will be on hand to talk to your students about a variety of health professions. They will be letting your students know that not all people interested in health fields become nurses! They will describe other fields such as paramedics, medical laboratory technician, pharmacy tecs and health information jobs. Indian Hills also has a new Occupational Therapy Assistant program and the program director will be on the ICN to tell your students all about it. They will also talk to your students about the type of education they need to undertake for these jobs; the types of people who enjoy this kind of work and how there is a rising need to fill these jobs.

Session Related Web sites:

• School to Careers (www.careers.iptv.org) - Teachers, students and parents explore the world of work via the STC Web site. Job descriptions, video clips and links to additional resources can be accessed through this Web site. The STC database features occupations in health, engineering, business, agriscience, human services and the arts. Career searches can be done by keyword, occupation, subject or Career Pathway.

Related Lesson Plans and Units:

PBS Teachers (http://www.pbs.org/teachers/) - PBS Teachers offers free lesson plans, professional development and more for preK-12 educators.

Only twelve 'interactive' sites are scheduled for each session. 'View-only' sites will be considered and added when possible after twelve 'interactive' sites are confirmed for a session. Videotaping is NOT available.

Sessions are provided to Iowa schools at no cost.