1. Drama
The best actors in Star Trek all got their start in classical theatre backgrounds. A lot of them were Shakespearean actors who could grasp the extremity of Star Trek because of their roles in Shakespeare's plays. William Shatner, John Colicos (Kor from STTOS and STDS9) and Academy Award winner, Christopher Plummer (General Chang from Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country) were all thespianic colleagues who performed at Canada's Stratford Festival together. When you try to teach kids to overcome their awkwardness and perform dramatic pieces; to get them to immerse themselves in a role, all you have to do is point a finger at these guys! The fact that two of them have a couple of kilos of plastic cement and make-up plastered all over them demonstrates the willingness to perform regardless of how uncomfortable they might be. Also, think about the actors who have played aliens in this franchise. Jeffrey Coombs (Weyoun from STDS9) not only has a Shakespearean background (he performed at the California Shakespeare Festival) but he has a pronounced history in performing horror roles (Herbert West in Re-Animator) as well. Coombs is an actor who likes to primarily play inhuman, monstrous roles. This level of extremity teaches students of Drama about characterization and repertoire. Why is it cool to be in Drama? Jesus just look at Patrick Stewart! I'm a William Shatner fan, but by God, this veteran of the British screen and stage manages to illicit admiration for his sci-fi geek status in playing Captain Picard AND Professor Xavier of X-Men fame, while also being a voice for social justice in speaking out on preventing violence against women. On top of all this, my teenagers would recognize his voice as the voice of Stan's CIA boss on the animated series "American Voice". In my years of teaching, I've learned that coolness is a universal currency that all students can appreciate in approaching any subject. So those are five areas that any teacher can look to Star Trek for inspiration. Star Trek is an extreme view of the human experience. Roddenberry wanted us to look at ourselves through the lens piece of the 23rd century and consider what we are doing right and wrong in the world and how we, as humans, can aspire to be better. Isn't that just what teachers want from their students? In the microcosm of the classroom, students represent humanity and teachers play that role in coaching them to be their best. It's only (excuse the expression) logical that teachers can draw from Star Trek to better illustrate their lessons. After all, teachers want their students ... engaged.