Learning Blade is designed for grades 5-9 and contains hundreds of online STEM-focused “mission” lessons that lead students through exploring technologies and careers while practicing academic skills aligned to Arkansas standards. New for 2022 is a twenty-hour Intro to Coding course that meets the State’s coding block requirement. In addition, teachers have access to dozens of lesson plans that support innovative STEM project-based learning using common materials found in the classroom.
Career Blade is a web-based K-12 resource for teachers to integrate career pathways relevant to their specific economic region and introduce students to the companies in their local area. For instance, a 2nd-grade teacher in Dumas, AR will be able to visit the website and easily find downloadable, subject-based, and grade-appropriate lesson plans for actual career pathways opportunities in that economic region as well as the contact information of companies that want to engage. Go to www.CareerBladeArkansas.com to access the lesson plan portal.
Ready for Industry is five, twenty-hour courses each focused on a high-demand workforce industry: Construction, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and information technology. Students complete one or more of the courses for the purpose of in-depth career exploration or enhanced preparation for entry-level positions. Students who successfully fulfill course requirements will receive certificates of completion from ADE. Grades 10-Adult is the target population for RFI.