Design of Unit
STEM Careers of Women and Men Role Models Unit
Design of Unit
The STEM Careers of Women and Men Role Models Unit is designed at the 4th grade level. The learning standards covered in the unit are 3rd and 4th grade standards in Science, Technology, and Engineering and 4th grade standards in ELA. The unit should be taught over the course of about one month and could be implemented to coincide with Women’s History Month in March. The unit is comprised of 3 sections.
Section 1 is the main focus of the unit and is comprised of 10 classroom lessons.
These classroom lessons are separated into four modules, each focusing on a broad career field within STEM. Each module consists of two lessons, the first introduces the STEM careers of role models and the second includes a STEM activity. There is also one introductory lesson and one review lesson.
Module 1: Space- This module provides introductory knowledge of Space and covers Space careers such as Aerospace Engineer, Mathematician, and Astronaut. Students also perform a gravity experiment.
Module 2: Earth and Nature- This module provides introductory knowledge of Earth and Nature and covers Earth and Nature careers such as Geologist, Meteorologist, and Biologist. Students also perform an animal design activity.
Module 3: Computer Technology- This module provides introductory knowledge of Computer Technology and covers Computer Technology careers such as Computer Programmer, Software Developer, and Graphic Designer. Students also perform a coding activity.
Module 4: Engineering- This module provides introductory knowledge of Engineering and covers Engineering careers such as Civil Engineer, Architect, and Mechanical Engineer. Students also perform a paper airplane design experiment.
Section 2 of the unit incorporates STEM role model classroom visits.
Having STEM role models come into the classroom will provide students with in-person interactions and a glimpse into what a STEM career entails. These visits would happen over the span of a week, with 3-4 STEM role models visiting the classroom.
Included is a dialogue to use when contacting local STEM role models and activities for students to do before and after the STEM role model visits the classroom.
Section 3 concludes the unit with a "Living Museum" Final Project.
Each student will research and create a poster about an assigned STEM role model. Students will then dress up as their STEM role model and present their poster to parents and community members in a “Living Museum.”
Included is directions for the "Living Museum" project, research questions for the students, a sample list of STEM role models, and a grading rubric.