Career Day

Curriculum Areas: Careers, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics, Physical Science, Physics, Science, Technology, Technology Integration
Grades: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
Show Length: Four 30-minute programs
Usage Rights: In Perpetuity
Production Date: 2008 - 2009
Distributor: Fairfax Network
Availability: Broadcast.
WVIZ/PBS Broadcast: Available for CMSD-TV.
Internet Site(s): http://www.fcps.edu/fairfaxnetwork/career_day/index.html
Teacher Guide: Online resources and video clips available on website.

CLOSED CAPTIONED: YES
Duplication requests should go directly to Fairfax Network.

CAREER DAY is designed to support efforts to increase student interest and performance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Career Day programs are designed to spark student interest in various STEM-related careers through virtual field trips into various days in the lives of our experts.

The series ties in student exercises or experiments relevant to the topics in order to make the experiences more tangible for students. Career Day guests give on-the-job examples of equipment or methodology used in their careers and talk about the STEM fields of study involved. Students are given information about the kinds of courses they would need to take in school if they were interested in pursuing careers in any of the fields. Website offers video clips and other resources: http://www.fcps.edu/fairfaxnetwork/career_day/index.html.

Program 1—Alternative Energy
The first program in the series focuses on alternative energy and green design. Students get an up-close look at a working solar home with a one-of-a-kind tour from an energy efficiency engineer, go through an energy audit with an energy services consultant, and get a special peek at the research and development being conducted at the University of Maryland’s Energy Research Center.

Program 2— Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The second program in the series focuses on careers using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students learn how American Forests, a conservation organization, uses GIS to enable communities to promote healthy forest ecosystems; how the Alexandria City Police Department crime analysts use GIS to help police officers prevent crimes; and get a special sneak peek at George Mason University’s cutting edge scientific research utilizing GIS.

Program 3—Sustainability
The third program in the series focuses on sustainability. Students will see how a civil engineer, environmental scientist, water restoration specialist, and others from The PBSJ Corporation are working together on a green building renovation of a community library; a green mission specialist from Whole Foods Market will take students on a guided expedition through a composting facility; Waples Mill Elementary (VA) students will show their environmental stewardship; and students will be treated to a unique glimpse at top secret research being conducted at a major university.

Program 4-- Robotics
This fourth installment of Career Day will feature the exciting area of robotics. Students will learn how robots continue to transform the workplace, enhance our lives, and make it possible for humans to explore far away planets and ocean depths here on Earth. Also, we’ll learn about some exciting research in the field of robotics at the university level and explore how middle school students can build and program their own Lego robots.