This activity helps mentees visualize their STEAM skills, track progress, and set goals by creating a personalized STEAM skill tree. It connects their current abilities to future learning opportunities and career paths.
My STEAM Skill Tree
- Goal-Setting, Skill Development, STEAM Specific Skills & Knowledge
Introduction
Process
- Preparation (Before the Session)
Understand the Concept: Review the skill tree template and the mentee’s responses from the STEAM diagnostic tool.
Gather Materials:
Blank skill tree templates (see downloadable)
Digital tools (Excel chart, online skill trackers) or pens and markers
Set Objectives:
Map current STEAM skills
Identify new areas to explore
Connect skills to real-world careers - Introduction (5 min)
Start with a casual chat about their week or recent STEAM experiences.
Set the Stage: Explain:
“Today, we’ll build your STEAM skill tree—mapping your strengths and exploring new skills based on careers that interest you.” - Review Mentee’s Current Skills (10 min)
Discuss Their Responses: Review the diagnostic form and ask clarifying questions.
Explore Confidence Levels:
Example question: “Which area do you feel strongest in? Which one are you curious to try?” - Introduce the STEAM Skill Tree (10 min)
Explain the Structure:
Each branch represents a STEAM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math).
Skills range from foundational to advanced.
Show Examples:
Display a completed skill tree (if available).
Share career case studies (e.g., “An engineer needs problem-solving, physics, and data analysis skills.”). - Create the Mentee’s Skill Tree (15 min)
Map Current Skills: Work together to fill in the branches with what they already know.
Technology: “You’ve done some Scratch coding.”
Engineering: “You enjoy building with LEGO and puzzles.”
Identify Gaps & Interests:
Example: “You mentioned you’ve never tried 3D printing. Let’s add it to your tree.”
Use colors to differentiate:
Strengths (color-filled)
New areas to explore (left blank—color in when they try it). - Set Goals and Next Steps (10 min)
Short-Term Goals: Choose 1-2 new skills to explore before the next session.
Example: “Let’s find an online tutorial for 3D modeling.”
Long-Term Goals: Connect their skill tree to broader aspirations.
Example: “Interested in renewable energy? Learning physics and data visualization could be useful.”
Plan Activities: Suggest workshops, tools, or resources for developing new skills. - Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 min)
Review Their Skill Tree: Celebrate their current strengths and growth areas.
Ask: “What part of today’s session did you find most exciting or surprising?”
Plan a follow-up session to review progress and update the skill tree. - Document and Share
Keep a digital or physical copy for tracking progress.
Draft a simple action plan for the new skills they want to explore.
Outcome
Reflection Questions:
How does mapping your skills help you see your growth in STEAM?
Which new skills are you most excited to try?
How can you connect your interests to possible STEAM careers?
Please Share:
