Grade Level(s):  7th & 8th

Subjects:  Mathematics: Computer/Technology, English/Language Arts

Learner Outcomes:  The students will be able to:

• Complete The Career Key on-line interest survey to assist in career exploration.
• Research possible occupations that may suit their individual interests, strengths, and abilities.
• Students will coordinate their individual career choices to appropriate Career Clusters designated by their county.

Materials:

• 5 Occupation Research Sheet handouts per student
• Pencil or pen for notetaking.

• Multimedia computers with Internet access available to students
• Computer projector and screen
• Bridges software (optional)

• A signed Acceptable Use Policy for each student
• Prior to today's lesson, the teacher will have instructed students on the importance of personal strengths, weaknesses, interests and education in selecting a career.  Various careers, including white collar and blue collar jobs, will have been discussed in class.
• Important:  teacher will collect the students five(5) Occupation Research Sheets to be used in lesson 4 in this unit.

• Students will be directed via large group instruction the step by step procedure of using The Career Key interest survey site on the Internet.  (If the lab is equipped with Bridges software, a similar interest survey is available).
• After the instructor has modeled the procedure, students will complete the survey online. The results will supply the students with a list of hyperlinked occupations that may be suitable matches based on survey responses.
• Instructor will distribute and explain the research sheet.  Students will complete five forms to gather information on five possible careers.  Teacher will monitor for questions.

Enrichment Activities:

• Students can complete additional interest surveys for comparison purposes.
• Many West Virginia SUCCESS labs have purchased licensing agreements for the career site, Bridges, which is an excellent source for career information.
• The Career Game, a very good and fairly simple interest survey, can be also be purchased.  It has options for completion of online surveys or software to plug in pencil/paper results to produce a print-out of suggested career options and the education/training required.
• The ACT/Explorer, West Virginia state test for 8th graders, also has an interest survey component that could be used for further research.
• Students can research online the Occupational Outlook Handbook or by using the text version.

West Virginia IGO's:
 

Mathematics: Computer/Technology	7.57,7.58, 7.59	8.57, 8.58
Language Arts	7.3, 7.16, 7.31, 7.36, 7.37, 7.59, 7.60, 7.63, 7.64, 7.67, 7.87, 7.149, 7.150, 7.151, 7.167, 7.168, 7.169, 7.170, 7.172, 7.173	8.2, 8.5, 8.12, 8.14, 8.27,8.58, 8.59, 8.63, 8.82, 8.142, 8.143, 8.144, 8.147, 8.150, 8.151, 8.153, 8.155

National Standards:

References:
The Career Key, Lawrence K. Jones, Ph.D.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Bridges software license

Authors:

Susan Boore
Paulette Trimble
Monica Zanussi
Barrackville School
 

Overview	Lesson 1	Lesson 2	Lesson 3	Lesson 4	Lesson 5
"Workin' 9 to 5"	"And It Says I Like What Job!?_______"	"Reality Check, Proceed If You Dare"	"Video Venture"	"What Is Your Piece of the Pie Graph"	"Powering Up Your Future"