Grade Level(s):  7th & 8th

Subjects:  Language Arts, Mathematics: Computer/Technology, Social Studies: Economics

Learner Outcomes:  The students will:

• Understand the impact of education on earning potential.
• Compare and contrast the fastest growing occupations.
• Be able to interpret charted information.
• Students will coordinate their individual career choices to appropriate Career Clusters designated by their county.

Materials:

• Teacher created handout of questions comparing one of their researched occupations to the Fastest Growing Occupations chart
• Pencils

• Multimedia computer or laptop with Internet access
• Computer projector and screen

• A signed Acceptable Use Policy for each student
• A handout with the “Fastest Growing Occupations” could be prepared in lieu of using the Internet.  Some students might want a copy of that information for future reference.  This entire lesson could be conducted in the computer lab if the teacher feels it would be conducive to instruction.
• If using the enrichment activity which views the career videos online, you will need to make sure your lab is equipped with the following:
• Bridges (Shockwave Player plugin required)
• Real Player plugin

• Begin the lesson with a discussion of the various occupations that have been previously researched.
• View information about the Fastest Growing Occupations either by projection device or handout.
• Discuss the demand (employment), salary (earnings quartile) and educational requirements of the following occupational fields: computer, medical, health aides, and veterinary.
• Address these questions in discussion:
• Which occupation has the highest earning potential?  the lowest earning potential?
• Which occupation is expected to be in highest demand? the least in demand?
•  Is the earning potential comparable to the educational requirement?
•  Complete the questions on the Fastest Growing Occupations handout.

Enrichment Activities:  If the appropriate technology is available (refer to Teacher Notes), students may view careers online.  Otherwise,  videos such as Careers in Computers: Vol. 1, Careers in Medicine and Health, Vol. 4, from the Careers in the 21st Century Series can be made available to students.

Evaluation/Assessment:  Student evaluation will be based on performance on written work and participation during class discussion.

West Virginia IGO's:
 

Mathematics:Computer/Technology	7.30,7.31	8.26,8.30,8.58,8.60
English Language Arts	7.2,7.3,7.5,7.16,7.17, 7.18,7.60,7.63,7.64, 7.65,7.71,7.72,7.87, 7.150,7.151,7.158, 7.165,7.166,7.169, 7.170,7.172,7.173	8.2,8.3,8.5,8.30,8.50, 8.59,8.63,8.64,8.77, 8.82,8.125,8.129,8.144, 8.147,8.150,8.151, 8.153,8.155
Economics/Social Studies	7.10,7.19	8.17,8.18,8.19,8.22,8.26

National Standards:

References:  Videos you might want to make available:
Careers in Computer:  Vol. 1, Careers in Medicine and Health, Vol. 4, from the Careers in the 21st Century Series

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"