College Costs and Career Paths

Elizabeth Baker

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

College Costs and Career Paths

Explore college costs for career interests

In this lesson, students will explore the costs associated with different levels of college education required for various career paths. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the financial implications of their career choices and encourages them to think critically about their future education and career planning.

Audience

8th Graders

Time

1 hour

Approach

Experiential Learning, Project-Based Learning, Active Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning

Materials

Worksheet: College Costs Exploration, Reading: Understanding College Costs, Discussion: Career and Education Costs, Activity: Career Path Exploration, Quiz: College Costs and Careers, Exit Ticket: Reflection on Career Choices, and Answer Key: College Costs Exploration

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of education in career planning.
Ask students what careers they are interested in and what education they think is required for those careers.
Introduce the lesson objective: exploring the cost of college education based on career interests.

Step 2

Reading and Discussion

15 mins

Distribute the reading handout "Understanding College Costs."
Allow students time to read individually or in pairs.
Facilitate a discussion using the provided discussion guide to explore key points from the reading.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

15 mins

Hand out the "College Costs Exploration" worksheet.
Guide students to research the cost of education for their chosen career paths using online resources or provided data.
Encourage students to fill out the worksheet with their findings.

Step 4

Career Path Exploration Activity

10 mins

Organize students into small groups.
Each group will choose a career path and create a short presentation on the education required and associated costs.
Allow groups to present their findings to the class.

Step 5

Quiz and Exit Ticket

10 mins

Distribute the "College Costs and Careers" quiz to assess understanding.
After the quiz, provide students with the exit ticket to reflect on what they learned and how it might influence their career choices.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Review key takeaways from the lesson.
Encourage students to continue exploring career options and the education needed.
Answer any remaining questions.

Worksheet

College Costs Exploration

This worksheet helps students research and document the costs associated with different levels of college education for their chosen career paths.

What career are you interested in?

Think about what you enjoy doing and potential job titles.

What level of education is required for this career?

Consider if a bachelor's, master's, or other degree is needed.

Research the average cost of this education level. What did you find?

Look for tuition costs, fees, and other expenses.

How might these costs influence your career choice?

Consider financial aid, scholarships, and potential earnings.

Reading

Understanding College Costs

This reading provides an overview of the different costs associated with college education, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.

College education can be a significant financial investment. Costs vary depending on the type of institution (public vs. private), location, and the level of degree pursued. Understanding these costs is crucial for planning your education and career path. Consider factors such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses when evaluating college options.

Discussion

Career and Education Costs

This discussion will help students reflect on the costs of education for different careers and how it impacts their choices.

Why is it important to consider the cost of education when choosing a career?

Discuss how education costs can affect financial stability and career decisions.

What are some ways to manage or reduce college costs?

Explore options like scholarships, financial aid, and part-time work.

How does the cost of education influence your career interests?

Encourage students to think about balancing passion with practicality.

Quiz

College Costs and Careers

Answer Key

College Costs Exploration Answer Key

This answer key provides suggested answers and reasoning for the College Costs Exploration worksheet.

What career are you interested in?

Varies by student.
Students should choose a career based on personal interests and research.

What level of education is required for this career?

Varies by career.
Research the typical education requirements for the chosen career.

Research the average cost of this education level. What did you find?

Varies by education level and institution.
Use reliable sources to find average tuition and fees.

How might these costs influence your career choice?

Varies by student.
Consider financial implications and potential earnings.