GIS StoryMap Classroom Lesson

To start with and for this introductory lesson, the MiSTEM Network's Greater West Michigan Region is defining a STEM career as a career that integrates the use of knowledge and skills from two or more STEM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. For example, an electrician would need math skills to calculate wattage or amperage, science to understand the flow of current through various types of wire and metals, and engineering to set up the best system for running wires and panels in a building.

Okay, so you’ve learned the definition of a STEM career and the categories we are using to sort them. You’ve found the link to the map. Now, let’s explore some businesses:

• Find 3 businesses you know about in your area.  
• Find 3 businesses you didn’t know about in your area.   

Directions: Look at the businesses you located. Do any of the 6 businesses you looked at have websites? If not, keep looking until you find 2 that do. Put your answers after each question and share them with your teacher or instructor.

• What category are those businesses in? 
  • Agriculture, Construction, Energy, Finance, Information Technology, Healthcare, or Manufacturing
• What do they do? What is their main product or service?
• What kinds of careers do they have? See if they have a career page listed in their headings or at the bottom of their web page. If they don’t, what kinds of jobs do you think they may have?
• Pick two of those careers and look them up on Xello, O*Net, or another career exploration resource you may use. (Answer each of the following questions for at least 2 different jobs.)
  • What are the jobs you selected?
  • What kinds of core tasks do they perform in a typical day?
  • What kind of education or training do they need?
  • What is the salary range for that type of job?
• Is either of those jobs something you are interested in learning more about? If not, is there another career connected to that business that might interest you? For example, most businesses need someone to make repairs to the building or equipment.

For more information about industry clusters, explore the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach's toolkits and resources developed by Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.