Future Quest: Map Your Career Pathway

6th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Future Quest: Map Your Career Pathway

Mark Hines

Purpose

Students will embark on a journey to explore their personal interests and values, linking them to potential career paths and educational opportunities. Through hands-on research, interactive career assessments, and engaging with industry professionals, students will develop a comprehensive college and career action plan. This plan will outline the steps needed to pursue their chosen paths, culminating in a presentation to their parents, showcasing their findings and future aspirations.

Learning goals

Students will identify personal interests, skills, and values to align with potential career paths. They will conduct research using multiple sources to explore various industries and the educational requirements for careers of interest. Learners will engage in interviews with professionals to gain firsthand insights and develop communication skills. They will collaboratively create and present a comprehensive college and career action plan, demonstrating their ability to sequence ideas and present findings clearly.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

Products

Students will create a personalized college and career action plan and timeline that outlines their future goals and the steps needed to achieve them. They will conduct interviews with professionals on campus to gain firsthand insights into various career paths. Additionally, students will prepare and deliver a presentation to their class about a career cluster that aligns with their interests, showcasing their research and findings.

Launch

Begin the project with a Career Exploration Fair, where students rotate through interactive stations representing different career clusters. Each station will feature hands-on activities, such as role-playing scenarios or solving real-world problems related to that career. Invite professionals from various fields to share their experiences and answer questions, allowing students to gain firsthand insights. This engaging launch will spark curiosity and provide a foundation for students to start identifying their interests and potential career paths.

Exhibition

Students will present their college and career action plans and timelines in small groups to parents during the PBL Expo. Each student will have the opportunity to share their journey, including their career assessments, research findings, and insights gained from interviews with professionals. The presentations will be interactive, allowing parents to ask questions and engage in discussions about the students' chosen career paths. This exhibition will serve as a platform for students to showcase their communication skills and the depth of their research while receiving feedback from a supportive audience.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Career Exploration Fair: Students rotate through interactive stations representing different career clusters, engage in role-playing scenarios, and interact with professionals to learn about various careers.	Reflect on Interests and Values: Students complete a guided reflection activity to identify their personal interests, hobbies, and values.	Career Assessment: Students complete an online career assessment to identify potential career paths based on their interests and skills.	Research a Career Cluster: Students select a career cluster of interest and begin preliminary research using digital and print sources.
Deliverables	1. Completed Career Assessment Results 2. Reflection Journal Entry on Interests and Values
Preparation	1. Organize and set up Career Exploration Fair stations with hands-on activities and invite professionals from various fields to participate. 2. Prepare guided reflection worksheets to help students identify their interests and values. 3. Ensure access to online career assessment tools and guide students on how to use them. 4. Curate a list of credible digital and print sources for students to use in their research.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Conduct Interviews: Each student will interview a professional in a career field of their interest. They will prepare questions, conduct the interview, and take notes on key insights.	Research Educational Pathways: Students will research the educational requirements for their chosen career paths, including necessary degrees, certifications, and skills.	Create Career Pathway Maps: Using their research, students will create a visual map outlining the steps needed to pursue their chosen careers, including educational milestones and skill development.
Deliverables	1. Interview Notes and Reflections 2. Educational Pathway Research Summary 3. Career Pathway Map
Preparation	1. Arrange contact with professionals willing to be interviewed by students, ensuring a variety of fields are represented. 2. Guide students on how to formulate effective interview questions and provide example templates. 3. Provide access to research resources, such as college websites and career databases, to gather information on educational pathways. 4. Prepare materials for creating visual career pathway maps, such as poster boards, markers, and digital tools.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Develop College and Career Action Plans: Students will use their research and interview insights to outline their personal college and career action plans. They will sequence steps needed to achieve their goals, including short-term and long-term objectives.	Peer Review and Feedback Session: Students will engage in a structured peer review process, sharing their action plans with classmates to gather constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.	Refine and Finalize Action Plans: Based on peer feedback, students will revise and enhance their college and career action plans, ensuring clarity and alignment with their goals.
Deliverables	1. Draft College and Career Action Plan 2. Revised College and Career Action Plan
Preparation	1. Provide templates and guidelines for creating comprehensive college and career action plans. 2. Facilitate a peer review process by preparing structured feedback forms that guide students in giving and receiving constructive feedback. 3. Ensure students have access to computers or tablets for drafting and revising their action plans using digital tools.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Finalize and Practice Presentations: Students will finalize their college and career action plan presentations, focusing on clarity, visual aids, and overall delivery. They will practice presenting with peers, receiving and incorporating final feedback.	Host a Mock Presentation Day: Students will simulate the PBL Expo by presenting their plans to classmates acting as a parental audience. This will help them refine their presentation skills and build confidence.	Reflect and Set Personal Goals: After the mock presentations, students will reflect on their learning journey, the feedback received, and set personal goals for continued growth in their career and educational planning.
Deliverables	1. Final College and Career Presentation 2. Reflection Journal Entry on Presentation Experience and Personal Goals
Preparation	1. Prepare a rubric and checklist for students to use during presentation practice, focusing on key aspects like eye contact, volume, and sequencing. 2. Set up a mock presentation environment, arranging seating and technology to mimic the PBL Expo setup. 3. Create reflection prompts to guide students in thinking about their experiences and future goals.