STEM Journeys
From Classroom to Career
Teachers and Schools FAQs
What is STEM Journeys?
STEM Journeys seeks to increase students’ a) knowledge of the unique science and technology coming out of Atlanta universities and businesses, b) strengthen interest in STEM careers, and c) build understanding of the unsolved problems and unanswered questions facing STEM industries.
How do I learn about my STEM Pro match?
You will receive an email from Science ATL staff sharing your STEM Professional match, contact information, and important confirmation details.
With your help and communication prior to the visit, STEM professionals can meet your expectations to the best of their abilities. It is vital that you contact the STEM professional ahead of time to discuss lesson planning, scheduling, on-site logistics, etc.
What can I expect from the STEM professional’s classroom visit?
STEM professionals are asked to prepare a 30-minute to 1-hour long lesson plan that explores the questions/problems they are addressing in their work and the challenges facing the future of their field, leaving additional time for Q&A or other interactions. Some will also have a demo or hands-on activity prepared. Please understand that most STEM professionals are not trained educators. They are coming to your classroom to share their experiences in the STEM workforce and to show how students’ STEM learning in class could be applied in the real world. We reccommend reviewing the STEM Pro Speaker Guide for a better understanding about the expectations set for STEM pro classroom visits.
Visits are expected to be in-person. However, you are welcome to arrange a virtual presentation as long as you and your STEM pro are in agreeement. We recommed testing your virtual platform with your STEM Pro partner in advance.
What if I cannot schedule the visit on the designated date?
You may work with your STEM Pro partner to coordinate a classroom visit on an alternate date. If you must reschedule, we ask that you inform our staff about your new date at [email protected].
How are teacher and STEM pro matches made?
Several factors are evaluated including content alignment, travel time, grade level, the Child-Well Being rating of the school’s zip code, and application date. Earlier submissions have a higher probability of matching. Please note, we are not able to gurantee a STEM professional will be available to present in your classroom due to the aforementioned constraints.
*COBB COUNTY EDUCATORS: In order to particpate, please alert your district to confirm a STEM professional is permitted to visit your classroom. Due to county-wide policy, we may not be able to coordinate a STEM Pro classroom visit prior to receiving approval at the district level.
I teach multiple classes. Can I have the speaker come to every class?
These accommodations can be made at the discretion of your STEM Pro partner. Most STEM professionals are unable to spend the entire day at your school. You may wish to organize a small assembly or combination of classes, if such arrangements are possible. Ultimately, it is up to you and the STEM professional to work out the details of the visit.
STEM Professionals FAQs
What am I expected to do during my classroom visit?
Your visit is meant to get students excited about the work that you do and gain insight about a career in your field. We recommend developing a presentation about your career, the questions/problems you are tackling now, and the challenges facing the future of your field and encourage you to be as interactive as possible.
It is vital that you work with your partner teacher to develop a suitable lesson plan, understand the students’ prior knowledge, and expected learning outcomes. Don’t forget to download our Speaker Guide above as a helpful resource!
When should I schedule my visit?
We would like all classroom visits to occur on National STEM Day, Friday, Nomember 8th. If your schedule cannot accommodate a visit on that day, you may coordinate an alternate date with your partner teacher. Please inform our team at [email protected] of your new date.
Where are schools located?
Participating schools are located throughout the Metro Atlanta area. We will do our best to accommodate your preferred school district. However, our main priority is matching STEM professionals at schools with the greatest need. Please plan on the possibility of commuting an hour to your matched school location.
What grade levels are participating?
Classes will range from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Upon registration, you may specify your preferred age group(s). We do ask for your flexibility as we fulfill requests from educators. Typically, our greatest number of requests come from K-5 educators.
What is the time commitment?
We suggest preparing a thirty minute talk/activity, leaving plenty of time for questions and interactions with students. However, please discuss these details with your matched teacher.
Some schools are able to bring multiple classes together to hear a single presentation, but many teachers work with more than one class throughout the day and would be very grateful to have STEM professionals talk with several consecutive classes of students. Ultimately, it is up to you and the teacher to work out the details.
