In a previous blog, I wrote about preparing students for the future. I searched online for best STEM jobs: Scientists, Technology experts, Engineers, and Mathematical thinkers. The results were an eye-opener: the complex workplace of the future will require mastery of Information and Computer Technology skills along with professional skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork. Critical thinking skills and a resourceful, adaptable attitude are essential too. It’s a daunting task for teachers!
The good news is that an interdisciplinary curriculum can teach crucial technology, interpersonal, and thinking skills. Using TechnoKids project-based activities, students build a foundation in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, animation, desktop publishing, graphic design, coding, and more! These skills can provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue STEM jobs.
Here are another 6 best STEM jobs. Check out the career descriptions and see how the skills mastered in TechnoKids projects provide a basis for future success.
Computer Support Specialist
What does a computer support specialist do?
- Ensures that equipment and software are working
- Provides support and technical assistance to computer users
- Troubleshoots and solves computer and network problems
A computer support specialist may work in an office, telecommunications companies, financial and insurance industries, or at a help desk.
How does a TechnoKids project prepare students for this career?
In TechnoSpecialist, students play the role of a computer specialist. They design an information package to inform customers about hardware. A presentation with advanced features explains components in order to help the public make purchasing decisions.
TechnoSpecialist Learning Objectives:
✓ Understand and explain computer components and terminology
✓ Describe and compare devices
✓ Design a presentation with a master slide, table, graphic organizer, video, sound, and images
Sales Engineer
What does a sales engineer do?
- Collaborates with sales teams to understand customer requirements
- Plans, recommends, and modifies products to meet customer needs
- Prepares and delivers reports that explain products to customers and management
A sales engineer works for a manufacturer that designs consumer products such as food, clothing, fashion, or technology devices.
How does a TechnoKids project prepare students for this career?
In TechnoCandy, students solve the challenge of boosting candy sales. They investigate the problem, conduct a survey, graph results, research packaging, and finally submit a report to recommend a solution.
TechnoCandy Learning Objectives:
✓ Develop critical thinking and inquiry skills
✓ Organize, format, calculate, sort, and chart data
✓ Formulate a plan based on evidence and explain reasoning in a written report
Read what classroom teachers at West Side Elementary (click the REVIEWS tab) have to say about how TechnoCandy teaches students practical and essential STEAM skills.
Accountant
What does an accountant do?
- Organizes, computes, and prepares tax records
- Examines and assesses financial statements
- Suggests ways to reduce costs, enhance revenue, and improve profits
An accountant may be self-employed or may work for the bookkeeping department of a company, or for the tax agency of a government.
How does a TechnoKids project prepare students for this career?
In TechnoBudget, students learn personal finance. They build a budget and justify a spending plan to gain financial literacy and money management skills.
TechnoBudget Learning Objectives:
✓ Problem solve to make financial decisions
✓ Organize, graph, format, calculate, sort, and filter data using formulas
✓ Justify financial choices in a report
Graphic Designer
What does a graphic designer do?
- Creates innovative images to convey a message using photo editing software
- Incorporates changes recommended by clients or the art director
- Self-manages projects, including reviewing designs for errors and meeting deadlines
A graphic designer works freelance or may be employed by a sign company, advertising agency, publisher, or as a college art instructor.
How does a TechnoKids project prepare students for this career?
In TechnoPhotoshop, students create a digital scrapbook. They capture a series of photographs and then explore artistic techniques using Photoshop to make a collection of whimsical and wacky illustrations.
TechnoPhotoshop Learning Objectives:
✓ Apply the elements of design to edit photographs
✓ Retouch, crop, adjust, warp, recolor, and superimpose images
✓ Combine images to transform them into a unique scene
Database Administrator
What does a database administrator do?
- Organizes company information such as customer shipping or financial data
- Plans, sets up, tests, assesses, and updates databases
- Ensures that software operates efficiently and securely
A database administrator may work in a small business, warehouse, and in healthcare organizations such as medical insurance or in a hospital.
How does a TechnoKids project prepare students for this career?
In TechnoPlanner, students become event planners. They use a database to organize party planning information in tables, forms, queries, and reports.
TechnoPlanner Learning Objectives:
✓ Construct a database and create data entry forms
✓ Set field properties and establish a relationship between tables
✓ Sort, find, and filter records
✓ Evaluate database design
Statistician
What does a statistician do?
- Designs surveys, experiments, or opinion polls to collect data
- Develops mathematical models using technological tools to analyze real-world data
- Reports conclusions to improve business decisions
A statistician may work in marketing, education institutions, research and development for consumer goods, healthcare, or government.
How does a TechnoKids project prepare students for this career?
In TechnoQuestionnaire, students explore a key concern. They create a questionnaire and conduct a survey to track popular opinion. They interpret the results, draw conclusions, and share their findings.
TechnoQuestionnaire Learning Objectives:
✓ Investigate a research question, design questions, and identify bias
✓ Display data in charts, tables, and graphs
✓ Present a summary report
Prepare Students Now for the STEM Jobs of the Future
TechnoKids computer projects build skills for career readiness in a fun, engaging way. The projects blend curriculum disciplines to foster a solid foundation in technology as well as professional skills. As a bonus, students develop a resourceful, confident attitude to learning that will ensure their success in acquiring STEM jobs in the workplace of the future.