To High School and Beyond: Career Explorations in the Middle School Classroom Alonia M. Johnson, M.Ed., M.S. Technology Instructor

Why Think About Careers so Early? Throughout the last decade, researchers have recommended that career exploration and awareness begin before high school, when students have already made major decisions about courses (Castellano et. al, 2002; Fouad, 1995; O'Brien, et. al, 1999; Toepfer Jr., C.F., 1994). To encourage students to make informed decisions, middle schools must introduce career awareness, such as the concept that success in most careers requires education and training (Fouad, 1995).

What I Teach? 6th grade students explore various multimedia tools such as advanced features of PowerPoint, Publisher, Photo Story and Movie Maker 7 th grade students work through integrated instructional units (modules) called ACTION Labs. 8 th grade students learn the basics of video editing, audio recording, etc.

What is the ACTION Lab Program? The ACTION Lab program is a technology education program designed to teach you how to use and manage technology

How does the program operate? Fifteen 10 day integrated instructional units (unit). 2 students work together on a unit. Instruction is delivered on the computer. Each unit contains audio, video, text and pictures. Each unit has hands-on, internet and writing activities.

What Areas Does ACTION Labs Cover? Alternative Energy Audio Communications Computer Graphics & Animation Digital Music Energy & Power Flight Technology Forensic Science Health & Fitness Information Technology Laser Technology Research & Development Robotics Structural Engineering Video Production Virtual Architecture

7 th grade Students choose the 5 modules that most interest them. choices could affect their future career paths In addition to modules, students also complete a Career Research Project. – PowerPoint – career information – Publisher – spotlighting a company – Photo Story – spotlighting an individual leader in the field

8 th grade Copyright Video Editing using Movie Maker or Photo Story – College Highlight Presentation – Career Cluster Photo Story – Commercial Ad Campaign Career Project – Magazine Cover – To High School and Beyond