Career Cluster : Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Planning, managing and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g., physical science, social science, engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.
Workforce Region(s): Statewide Data - All Districts
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Pathways
Pathway Description: For a future in the Engineering and Technology pathway, students should study and apply principles from advanced mathematics, life sciences, physical science, earth and space science, and technology. In addition, future engineers and technologists should learn certain processes in mathematics, science and technology. In Grades 9-12, all future engineers and technologists should study mathematics each year, learning important mathematical concepts and processes defined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. With such knowledge and skills, students will be able to demonstrate the following competencies: 1.) Apply mathematics, science and technology concepts to solve problems quantitatively in engineering projects involving design, development or production in various technologies; and 2.) Recognize the core concepts of technology and their relationships with engineering, science and math, and other subjects. All future engineers and technologists should learn important science concepts and processes with an understanding of physics, chemistry and biology as a minimal set. These concepts and processes are defined by the National Research Council in the National Science Education Standards and by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Benchmarks for Science Literacy. Additionally, learners should become proficient in the areas of technology defined by the Standards for Technological Literacy.
Secondary CTE Courses
Introduction to Engineering Design: This course helps students understand the field of engineering/engineering technology. Students are encouraged to use a problem-solving model to improve existing products and invent new ones. They learn how to apply this model to solve any problems, even outside of the classroom. Students use sophisticated three-dimension modeling software to communicate the details of these products. Emphasis is placed on analyzing potential solutions and communicating ideas to others. This may be taught as a career exploration course in conjunction with other foundation Career Cluster courses.
Principles of Engineering: This course helps students explore various technology and manufacturing processes and systems to learn how engineers and technicians use mathematics, science and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. This course also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change.
Information Technology Applications: Students will use technology tools to manage personal schedules and contact information, create memos and notes, prepare simple reports and other business communications, manage computer operations and file storage, and use electronic mail, Internet applications and GIS to communicate, search for and access information. Students will develop skills related to word processing, database management and spreadsheet applications.
Product Engineering and Development: Students will learn concepts of product engineering and development using robotics and automated manufacturing techniques and process systems. Concepts of three-dimensional designs and the use of modeling software integrate with lean and agile applications. The focus is on teams who work together as concurrent development organizations where life cycle of the product is analyzed and all concepts of the product are applied.
Digital Electronics: This course teaches students the application of electronic circuits and devices. Students will use their knowledge of both computer simulation and breadboards to design, build and test their own circuits. Students become skilled at using a mathematical logic approach to simplify complex circuits.
Civil Engineering and Architecture: Students will learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture through a long-term project that involves the development of a local property site modeling the real-world experiences of practicing civil engineers and architects. The course of study includes the roles of civil engineers and architects, project and site planning, building design, and project documentation and presentation.
Engineering Innovation: Students will utilize ethical and professional practices to work in teams to apply a research and problem-solving model to solve problems of their own choosing. Students will apply engineering principles and be guided by a community mentor. Students will brainstorm possibilities, research current patents and regulations, construct a working model, test the model, document their designs, and present and defend the design to a panel of experts.
Other Courses and Elective Activities: Local student organization activities, including public speaking, record keeping and work-based experiences.
Pathway Description: Those who choose careers in the Science and Mathematics pathway apply essential mathematics and science content and skills in a real world context Science and mathematics occupations include those in physical, environmental and human endeavors. Career possibilities range from teachers of science and mathematics to lab technicians to NASA astronauts. Preparation for such occupations require the following: 1) Understanding the process and applying the skills necessary to engage in discovery; 2) Recognizing the need to obtain a broad education in science and mathematics and share communicate) this knowledge with the world; and 3) Understanding the role of gathering, creating, processing and sharing data in science and mathematics.
Secondary CTE Courses
The Perkins crosswalk of educational programs of study to occupations identifies a number of programs relevant to this career cluster: