Help me give my students the opportunity to vividly learn of careers and future interests by traveling to Chicago to visit the Museum of Science and Industry, with transportation from Vandalia Bus Lines.
My students are high-achieving students who take the most rigorous classes they can to prepare themselves for opportunities in the future. They are excited about chemistry, electing to take a second year, with the opportunity to earn college credit through the AP Chemistry program. Many of the students have developed an interest in science, but are unfamiliar with what a job in STEM might look like on account of the limited number of STEM jobs in the community. Some students have not traveled more than 100 miles from home, let alone Chicago. They are excited to explore unknown careers in math and science in the world outside of of their small town.
My Project
This trip is aimed at providing my students in my AP Chemistry class the opportunity to explore careers that are open to them as a result of taking chemistry classes in high school and later in college. The CICI provides an exposition of several careers that involve chemistry from a variety of chemical industries in the state of Illinois. Students have the opportunity to talk to professionals in the field to explore interests in careers, learning about the steps it takes to pursue such careers. A chemistry career game show educates students on career opportunities in chemistry. A glass blowing demonstration is provided to get students more interested in a specific area of chemistry. Time is allotted for students to explore the Museum of Science and Industry as well, to further cultivate interest in the STEM fields.
This trip will allow for two college visits as well.
In the past, students attended visited The University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Chicago. This allows students again, to get a feel for the next step after high school in pursuing a career in STEM. An opportunity to compare and contrast schools, helps students hone in on what characteristics are most important to them in selecting a college. Students are also introduced to what life outside of their hometown would look like after high school and what it takes to be admitted to such a place.
Historically, this trip has provided students with a totally new perspective on what plans after high school can look like. It opens them up to opportunities that they did not know existed, and it allows them start making informed decisions about what they want to do.
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