Tools for Tomorrow

Social Studies/Language Arts

What You Need

• Reference materials on careers in your home state
• Help wanted ads
• Art materials

What to Do

1. Tell students that they are going to observe Career Day in their home state. Explain that a such an event is an occasion to learn about career opportunities in the future.

2. Explain to students that they are to use reference materials to explore the fields that interest them and write a brief description of the job they think they would like to have. They should accompany the description with a picture and explanation of at least one tool they might use to carry out that job. Or, students can draw themselves as adults, using the tools of their field, which may be advanced versions of those in use now or even new inventions.

3. Have teams of students brainstorm career possibilities, using reference materials that describe which industries, businesses, and occupations can currently be found in their home state. Remind students to consider supporting industries, too. For example, if they are examining careers in agriculture, they might also consider companies that supply farm machinery. Or, if there is an economic boom in an area, home builders, architects, furniture designers, food suppliers, and others would also be in demand.

4. Set a date for Career Day. On that day, have students present their plans and prospects. Post their reports where everyone can refer to them.

Teaching Options

• To get students thinking about the variety of job opportunities, you may want to begin by creating a word web that starts with a single industry in the center and is circled by supporting businesses. For example, if shipping is an important enterprise in your area, have students suggest related businesses, such as manufacturers of goods, farmers, oil workers, etc.

• When students are ready to make their presentations, have them assemble themselves by related fields, then meet as a group to discuss how their careers might interact.

• Invite representatives of different fields to respond to students' questions about the fields they are most interested in. Set up tables or booths in an open space and invite students to learn more from each representative.