Using Relevance to Connect Keystone Content to Real STEM Careers
One of the most common things we hear from math educators is that students struggle to pass Pennsylvania Keystone exams because they don’t see the connection between math and the “real world”. “Why do I have to learn this stuff” is a common complaint. Caregivers sometimes echo this perspective, particularly when they see their child struggling to learn new math concepts, like algebra. How does the seemingly abstract math they learn in middle school affect their child’s future career? That disconnect can be a major roadblock to both academic success and career planning.
Many counselors and teachers have tried to find solutions to help bridge the gap in understanding. Independently developing tools to use with students during student and family tours, career days, and other school events can be very helpful. Learning from our teacher leaders, we have also developed some tools and supported an effort to share their great work! These short lessons link familiar math and science content directly to real-world applications—like HVAC systems or automotive collision repair. Highlighting career applications to their learning strengthens students' interest in and understanding of the value of learning concepts in math and literacy as a foundation (and requirement) for STEM careers, including CTE!.
The STEM Educator Initiative (SEI) has identified four indicators that are necessary to create a highly effective learning environment. Normalize, Empower, Inclusive, Relevant (NEIR©) each represent a focus on making learning more engaging and meaningful for each and all students. For some students, inclusion may be a concern. For others, Relevance that provides and emphasizes real-world connections, provides the key needed to ensure they take every opportunity to learn.
Connecting STEM/CTE to Careers: The Application in the Classroom
Create awareness of career and technical education (CTE) opportunities by middle school, so students and caregivers understand the career opportunities available and the importance of math, science, and literacy beyond just passing a test.
Show real-world connections between math and science concepts and high demand, high wage careers.
Encourage reflection so students and their caregivers can make meaning from what they’ve learned and imagine themselves in those careers from a young age.
From research we know that when students recognize how a math formula or science principle applies outside of school, their motivation and engagement increases. A lesson that connects algebra to the force of a car collision, or geometry to the air volume in a room, shifts abstract ideas into something they can touch, see, and understand.
To learn more or access free example activities, visit the links below.
NEIR Model: https://stemeducatorinitiative.org/ourwork/#neir
Relevant Activities: https://stemeducatorinitiative.org/relevance
1, Schukajlow, S., Rakoczy, K., Reiss, K., & Cambria, J. (2025). The role of extra‑mathematical knowledge in students’ motivation and word‑problem solving. Educational Psychology Review. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217‑025‑00595‑3
2, Teplá, M., & Distler, P. (2025). The impact of long‑term inquiry‑based science education on students’ motivation and knowledge acquisition: The role of gender, subject, and level of inquiry. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12, Article 239. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599‑025‑04437‑3
