Student perceptions of science-oriented careers
and scientists have been shown to be largely
inaccurate. Through an instructional design
and development process we have developed a
method for offering students more accurate information
about science-oriented careers. This
paper follows the steps involved in developing a
volume of podcast/interviews with STEM professionals
and implementing the podcasts in
middle level science classes. The purpose of the
podcasts is to better inform middle school students
about STEM career options. We present
the challenges and successes of the development
process as well as the efforts to create a second
volume of podcasts, planned improvements and
efforts for larger scale implementation, and the
results from a pilot study involving the podcasts.