This training module provides an introduction to content development for STEM outreach programming. Content is everything that drives the moment-to-moment experiences of program participants through fun and engaging STEM-related activities. This module primarily deals with the process of developing content—e.g., activity write-ups, demonstrations, self-directed projects—as opposed to the planning of STEM outreach programs like summer camps or weekly clubs. 

Strong content plays a significant role in ensuring that participants have positive and impactful experiences in your programs and, ultimately, with STEM. Strong content development is also critical in shaping your confidence and satisfaction in your role as a STEM Instructor.

To help guide you through the module, each section poses key questions to consider about your content. You are encouraged to think about these questions both independently as you work through the module, and with your team in a discussion or group debrief format. Keep in mind, these questions are guidelines -not hard-and-fast rules. Your own institution or organization might have different or additional guidelines for content development, so be sure to confirm required content elements with your organization as early in the development process as possible.

Module learning outcomes

Through this module, you will:

• Learn about the four stages of the content lifecycle (ideation, design, implementation, and evaluation) and how they each contribute to creating good content.
• Learn about common types of activities that make up STEM program content.
• Develop an understanding of content best practices and strategies for success.
• Learn about tools and resources you can use to guide and facilitate your content design.
• Develop an understanding of the impacts and key considerations of audience(s) and delivery model(s).

In all of the training instructors receive, there are opportunities to develop or strengthen particular skills. We refer to these transferable skills as Future Skills and are working to help develop them with our Future Skills Program. These are skills that are needed to create and deliver STEM programs, but can also help you in your current and future work endeavours. Throughout this module, there will be opportunities to reflect on how the training and on-the-job work experiences contribute to the development of these skills. It is important to think about this so you can articulate your skill set, provide examples of how you acquired these skills and apply them in various contexts. 

By participating in this course you will also work on developing the following Future Skills:

• Communication  
  • Being able to communicate ideas in accessible, engaging, and fun ways is essential to a program’s success. Throughout this module, you’ll learn some of the best ways to communicate STEM concepts through content and why this is vital to your program’s success. 
• Invocation & Creativity 
  • Building great content requires a strong foundational knowledge of the topic areas covered, a good understanding of learning outcomes, and a healthy dose of creativity.  Innovation and creativity are skills desirable in any career path. When reflecting on questions in this module, consider the ways that building content provides an opportunity to exercise creative thinking. 
• Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Effective content development necessitates an inclusive approach that respects diverse opinions, backgrounds, values, beliefs and contributions of others so that participants see themselves reflected in what they are learning. Further, working to create learning experiences for any setting requires drawing on different strengths within a team setting - involving coordination with subject matter experts, stakeholders, content developers, program delivery staff, and more.