Lesson Plan
Career Quest Adventure Plan
Students will identify personal interests and strengths, match them to real-world careers, and reflect on how their profiles guide future learning goals.
Introducing career exploration early builds self-awareness, motivates learning by connecting schoolwork to future goals, and empowers students to make informed academic choices.
Audience
Middle School Students (6th Grade)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interest surveys, reflection, and a gallery walk spark curiosity.
Materials
Career Interest Survey, Strengths Reflection Worksheet, Career Match Poster, and Pencils and Paper
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Career Interest Survey and Strengths Reflection Worksheet.
- Print enough copies of both worksheets for all students.
- Display the Career Match Poster on a projector or print small versions for a gallery walk.
- Arrange the classroom so students can easily circulate and share insights.
Step 1
Introduction and Hook
5 minutes
- Greet students and explain that today they begin a "Career Quest Adventure" exploring jobs that align with who they are.
- Share a quick story of someone whose childhood interest led to a dream career.
- Ask: "What do you love doing in your free time?" to prime thinking about interests.
- Differentiation:
- Provide sentence starters for ELL students.
- Offer one-on-one support for students needing guidance.
Step 2
Interest Survey
7 minutes
- Distribute the Career Interest Survey.
- Students rate enjoyment of activities (e.g., helping others, designing, analyzing puzzles).
- Walk around, clarify questions, and encourage honest answers.
- Differentiation:
- Read survey aloud for readers who need assistance.
- Allow advanced students to write additional interest items.
Step 3
Strengths Reflection
8 minutes
- Hand out the Strengths Reflection Worksheet.
- Students list skills they feel confident in (e.g., teamwork, creativity, organizing).
- Prompt them to give a real-life example of each strength.
- Differentiation:
- Offer a visual chart of strengths vocabulary for support.
- Challenge advanced students to think of how strengths develop over time.
Step 4
Career Match Gallery Walk
7 minutes
- Display the Career Match Poster featuring 6–8 diverse careers and key interest/strength matches.
- Students walk around in small groups, noting which careers align with their survey and reflection results.
- In their notebooks, they jot down their top two matches and why.
- Differentiation:
- Provide a graphic organizer for students needing structure.
- Encourage advanced learners to research one extra career on a device.
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Reflection
3 minutes
- Regroup and invite a few students to share their top career matches and reasoning.
- Ask: "How can knowing your interests and strengths help you set learning goals this year?"
- Explain that this is the first step in ongoing career exploration.
- Assessment:
- Review survey and worksheet responses for understanding.
- Observe participation and reflection quality.
use Lenny to create lessons.
Slide Deck
Career Quest Adventure
Discover Your Interests & Strengths as You Explore Future Careers.
Welcome students! Introduce today’s lesson: “Career Quest Adventure.” Explain they’ll explore interests, strengths, and real jobs. Encourage curiosity.
Materials
• Career Interest Survey (Career Interest Survey)
• Strengths Reflection Worksheet (Strengths Reflection Worksheet)
• Career Match Poster (Career Match Poster)
• Pencils & Paper
Briefly review the materials they will use and make sure every student has what they need. Mention printed and displayed items.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will:
• Identify personal interests
• Reflect on their strengths
• Match interests & strengths to real careers
• Set a learning goal based on career insights
Read the objectives aloud. Explain why each objective matters for their future. Clarify any questions.
Every Journey Starts with a Spark
When Alex was in 6th grade, he spent hours drawing shoe designs. Today, he’s a footwear designer for a major brand. Your interests now can shape your tomorrow!
Share a real-life example: e.g., “Alex loved drawing as a kid and now designs sneakers!” Use an image if available. Keep it brief and engaging.
What Do You Love Doing?
Think about your free time. What activities make you excited or curious? Turn to your neighbor and share one.
Pose the question. Allow 1–2 minutes for students to turn & talk. Listen for responses to gauge engagement.
Step 1: Career Interest Survey
• Complete the Career Interest Survey.
• Rate how much you enjoy each activity from 1 (Not at all) to 5 (A lot).
• Work quietly for 7 minutes.
Distribute the survey. Remind students to answer honestly. Circulate to support ELLs or readers needing help.
Step 2: Strengths Reflection
• Use the Strengths Reflection Worksheet.
• List three strengths you have (e.g., teamwork, creativity).
• For each, give a real-life example.
• Spend 8 minutes.
Hand out the worksheet. Encourage detailed examples. Offer vocabulary chart for students who need support.
Step 3: Career Match Gallery Walk
• View the Career Match Poster featuring 6–8 careers.
• In small groups, note which careers align with your survey and reflection.
• Write your top two matches and reasons in your notebook.
• 7 minutes.
Display or distribute the poster. Model how to note a match. Provide graphic organizers to students needing structure.
Reflect & Share
- Which career matched you best and why?
- How can knowing your interests & strengths help you set a learning goal this year?
Invite volunteers to share. Use prompts to deepen thinking. Listen for connections between self-awareness and goal-setting.
Exit Ticket
Write on a sticky note or journal:
- One new thing you learned today.
- One personal learning goal you will set based on this lesson.
Turn in before you leave.
Explain the exit ticket process and deadline. Collect responses to assess understanding.
Next Steps
• Share what you learned with family or friends.
• Research one more career that interests you.
• Stay tuned: We’ll explore setting long-term goals next time!
Encourage continued exploration. Suggest family conversations and online research. Preview next career lesson.
Worksheet
Career Interest Survey
Instructions: Rate how much you enjoy each activity by circling a number from 1 (Not at all) to 5 (A lot).
| Activity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helping others (e.g., volunteering, tutoring) | |||||
| Solving puzzles or brainteasers | |||||
| Drawing, painting, or designing | |||||
| Building or fixing things (e.g., models, gadgets) | |||||
| Playing a musical instrument or singing | |||||
| Writing stories, poems, or articles | |||||
| Exploring nature or conducting experiments | |||||
| Leading or organizing group activities | |||||
| Cooking or baking new recipes | |||||
| Using computers or coding |
Reflection Questions
- Which three activities did you enjoy the most? Why?
- List any other interests you have that were not mentioned above:
Worksheet
Strengths Reflection Worksheet
Instructions: List three strengths you feel confident in. For each strength, describe it and give a real-life example.
- Strength #1:
Real-life Example: - Strength #2:
Real-life Example: - Strength #3:
Real-life Example:
Reflection Questions
- Which strength surprised you the most and why?
- How might you use these strengths to help you in school or future careers?
Reading
Career Match Poster
Use this poster alongside the Career Interest Survey and the Strengths Reflection Worksheet.
Walk around, review each career, and note which ones spark your curiosity or match your skills.
1. Civil Engineer
Image: (bridge under construction)
What They Do: Design and oversee building roads, bridges, and buildings that keep our communities moving.
Key Interests:
- Building or fixing things (e.g., models, gadgets)
- Exploring nature or conducting experiments (e.g., soil tests)
- Using computers or coding (e.g., drafting software)
Key Strengths:
- Problem-solving & analytical thinking
- Organizing complex projects
- Teamwork and communication
2. Graphic Designer
Image: (artist at a computer desk)
What They Do: Create visuals—logos, posters, websites—that communicate ideas and stories.
Key Interests:
- Drawing, painting, or designing
- Using computers or coding (e.g., digital tools)
- Writing stories, poems, or articles (for messaging)
Key Strengths:
- Creativity and imagination
- Attention to detail
- Self-expression & visual communication
3. Chef
Image: (chef plating a dish)
What They Do: Invent and prepare delicious meals, manage a kitchen team, and ensure food quality.
Key Interests:
- Cooking or baking new recipes
- Helping others (e.g., serving guests)
- Experimenting (e.g., flavor combinations)
Key Strengths:
- Creativity in the kitchen
- Time management under pressure
- Team leadership
4. Biologist
Image: (scientist looking through microscope)
What They Do: Study living organisms, conduct experiments, and help solve environmental and health challenges.
Key Interests:
- Exploring nature or conducting experiments
- Solving puzzles or brainteasers (research questions)
- Writing stories, poems, or articles (lab reports)
Key Strengths:
- Curiosity and critical thinking
- Attention to detail in observations
- Patience and perseverance
5. Software Developer
Image: (programmer typing on laptop)
What They Do: Write and test code to build apps, games, and websites that people use every day.
Key Interests:
- Using computers or coding
- Solving puzzles or brainteasers
- Designing (e.g., user interfaces)
Key Strengths:
- Logical reasoning
- Problem-solving under deadlines
- Collaboration in project teams
6. Event Planner
Image: (planner with calendar and notes)
What They Do: Organize parties, conferences, and weddings—managing details from start to finish.
Key Interests:
- Leading or organizing group activities
- Helping others (e.g., making events special)
- Writing articles (e.g., invitations, programs)
Key Strengths:
- Organization and planning
- Communication and customer service
- Creativity in themes and setups
Next Up: In your notebook, jot down your top two matches and explain why they fit your interests and strengths. Then share your findings during the gallery walk!
Cool Down
Career Quest Cool Down
Exit Ticket: Take a few minutes to reflect on today’s Career Quest Adventure.
1. What You Learned
a. One new thing you discovered about your interests or strengths today:
b. Which career from the gallery walk resonated most with you, and why?
2. Setting a Learning Goal
Based on your interests and strengths, what is one learning goal you will set this week? (For example, read about a career, try a related hobby, or practice a skill.)
3. Next Steps
Choose one of the following actions you will take before our next lesson:
- Revisit the Career Interest Survey and add new activities.
- Share your top career match with a family member or friend.
- Research one new career online and note why it appeals to you.
Which action will you choose? _______________________________________________________