8th grade career research

Research outline: Students will conduct extensive research on a career of their choice. Students are given an outline on what to locate about their career. Several important components of a job are outlined for them, such as appropriate schooling for the job and average income.

Technology and reading and writing skills taught during research: The teachers and I (technology teacher) stress the importance of locating credible information, and we are continually guiding the students on what makes internet information credible and reliable. (very important at this age) Students then compile the information they have gathered and write a 2-3 page documented paper about the job. Then, students are required to build an online resume, in which they highlight what experiences and qualities they have that would make them the best candidate for that job.

Social Skills: Students learn a lot about themselves and their community as they complete this project. I would love to extend it further and have them create a podcast video of themselves at a mock-interview. Writing something on paper is one thing, but to do well on an interview is another. This is a social skill builder that would be beneficial to this project and to the students’ self-esteem.

Please help us to raise the money to buy a mobile podcasting unit. I can promise you that it would lend itself to becoming a beneficial tool in our classroom!