The Big Picture

Think back to the best learning experience you’ve ever had. What did your instructor do—and what did you do?

Just like adults, IGNITE students learn and grow by engaging with you—as meaningful as it is for them to learn a new skill and think critically, your engagement helps them see themselves in your role one day!

Ask students questions during all parts of the event to maintain engagement. Below are some examples of how to ask questions.

For a Large group (10+ students):

  • “Who here likes playing video games? I do too, and now I get to create them!”
  • Help them zero in on what they might be curious about:
    • “Who knows what STEM stands for?” Call on a person with their hand raised and allow them to answer. Expand on how you use STEM in your role. 
    • “Raise your hand if you have used ChatGPT.” Call on a person with their hand raised and ask them “What did you use it for?”; “Raise your hand if you ever wondered how AI works!” Call on a person with their hand raised and ask them “What are you most curious about when it comes to AI?”
    • “Raise your hand if you have ever collaborated with a group at school to design, invent, or create something.”—“Tell us about that; what things did you like about that experience?” Every job you have will involve working with others to achieve a goal, so these are important experiences to have!

Small group:

  • “What do you like to do?” “What are your favorite subjects?”
  • Connect theirs words answer with a reason they might enjoy STEM. Example: if they say Math, give an example of how they can use math in STEM careers, like modeling the real world and coming up with solutions that help people. Or if they say Art, they might enjoy designing how a user interfaces with a new technology.

The Bottom Line: The event should be interactive, engaging, and personable. Please avoid pre-recorded presentations or long-form video. Instead, encourage collaboration amongst the students—this is an opportunity for them to practice how to work together and build soft skills like communication, confidence, and compromise in a group setting.