2020 MISF STEM Education Conference

Virtual Breakout Session
1:00–2:30 pm | Thursday, August 6

STEM+Ag Career Pathway Curriculum and Activities

Melissa Huppert, Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence & Judy Barka, Minnesota State Agricultural Center of Excellence

The Minnesota State Engineering and Agricultural Centers of Excellence are excited to share their newly released and FREE curriculum STEM+Ag Career Pathways for 6th-8th and 9th-12th grade. Utilizing the Experiential Learning Model, the STEM+Ag Career Pathways Curriculum focuses on exploring student interest in STEM within the context of careers in agricultural industries. This curriculum is appropriate for in and out of the classroom and is a great fit for science teachers, CTE teachers, and youth-serving organizations.


Session Materials

Career Exploration ACTIVITY: Savin’ S’mores

Session attendee will be working in teams of 3 or 4 on this activity. It is not necessary for all participants to have the supplies available, but at least one person from each team will. It is guaranteed to be FUN virtual team building experience that you will want to replicate with you students!

Activity Supplies
  • 1-2 Large Marshmallows
  • 2-3 Graham Crackers
  • 1 Hershey Chocolate Bar
  • Scissors
  • Pie Dish or similar sized waterproof container filled 3/4 full with water
  • Paper towels or towel (for clean up if needed)
  • Hair blow dryer
  • Tongs or Pencil
  • Measuring tape

  • As needed supplies: (may not need everything, but might want it available in case you decide to use it in your design)
    • Masking tape
    • Stapler with staples (optional)
    • Lightweight cardboard cut into a couple 3”x 4” pieces
    • Heavyweight cardboard cut into a couple 3”x4” pieces
    • 6” x 4” pieces of aluminum foil, wax paper, and plastic wrap
    • 1 Small foam plate cut in half
    • Toothpicks

Resource Links

Minnesota State Centers of Excellence

AgCentric Interactive Agricultural Career Pathway Wheel and Downloadable Brochure

Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC)

MAELC Strategic Initiatives Grant


Presentation Slides

The full slide deck can be downloaded below. During the session, the presentation slide images below can be used for reference when in breakout rooms.


ACTIVITY PRESENTATION Slides

The following slides are for reference while working in teams on the activity.

ACTIVITY Showcase PRESENTATION Slide

The following slide is for reference for showcasing and testing the team projects.

Reflection ACTIVITY PRESENTATION Slide

The following slide is for reference while working in teams on the reflection activity.

Discussion PRESENTATION Slide

The following slide is for reference while discussing in breakout groups.


Curriculum Access

The curriculum can be downloaded for free at the STEM+Agriculture Career Pathways Curriculum website or by submitting the form below.


Contact Information

Judy Barka

Assistant Director
Judy.barka@clcmn.edu
320-221-0219

AgCentric | Minnesota State Agricultural Center of Excellence
1830 Airport Road
Staples, MN 56479

www.agcentric.org

Melissa Huppert, PhD

Director of Program Development and Evaluation
melissa.huppert@mnsu.edu
507-508-2987

Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence
131 Trafton Science Center North
Mankato, MN 56001

engineering.mnsu.edu