During my unit titled “Off to College”, we talk about a variety of topics related to college living and dorm life. One of these topics includes the “Freshmen 15”. Students always wonder if it’s true and if so, how does it happen. Since students were curious, I decided to let them figure out the answers by having them research the topic and create a game board that incorporated all of the information they learned in a fun, creative and competitive way. Students took turns playing each others games, providing feedback and learning something about the “Freshman 15”!
Category: College & Career Preparation
College Loans Graphic Organizer Activity & Quiz
Students spend a lot of time researching and making comparisons on various colleges from location to majors offered and cost, so it only makes sense to spend some time looking at options of financing their ambitions. While I am no expert, going through this process with my daughter last year has at least upped my comfort level with the material and terms (at least a little bit). Because of this I wanted a simple way for students to learn what options were out there to help them afford college so they could at least have a starting point. This assignment asks students to take an article on college loans and not only read it, but create a graphic organizer around the theme to help them become more familiar with the information. While students often have additional questions specific to their circumstances, our school also offers a financial aid night for students and their parents which allows them to ask those questions and get the answers that I cannot afford them.
Living in Poverty Lesson & Activities
While listening to the news on the radio, it was announced that in Pennsylvania 1 in every 5 children lives below the poverty level. I’m sure this number varies from one state to the next but I thought it to be a rather scary statistic. This lesson and the included activities has students learning about poverty, what causes it, and an engaging simulation to see how easy it could be for some to live in poverty no matter how hard they try to avoid it.
Famous Chef Research & Bulletin Board Project
Famous chefs can be great role models for students who have an interest in the culinary arts field. Because of television,alton.brown shows like The Food Network, PBS and The Cooking Channel, students have access to culinary information, competitions and cooking personalities at the click of the remote. The goal of this project is to help inspire students and advance their culinary skills and knowledge by learning more about these famous chefs.
Communication Skills Lesson & Activities
In today’s society, with the abundance of electronic devices that keep students and adults ever so occupied and isolated, communication skills have never been more important and necessary. This lesson and activities strive to teach students the characteristics necessary for effective communication skills in various aspects of their lives in a fun and interactive way, using a variety of techniques. I’m sure there are many other activities that could be used in addition to what you will find here so, if you have a great way to teach communication skills, please share at feedback@familyconsumersciences.
Shark Tank Assignment
Are you totally in love with Abc’s Shark Tank? Chances are your students are! What I love about Shark Tank and The Profit are that students get a real glimpse into entrepreneurship and get a chance to see what is possible. Many times young teens are pitching their business ideas on the show and it is inspiring. Being confident, clearly conveying an idea, defending one’s position, and business savvy are all life skills that can be learned through this show with intentional viewing.
Resumes, cover letters, and Linkedin for highschoolers
I can’t help but tell my students a story when it comes to this lesson about this time someone interviewed for a job at a place I worked wearing a pencil skirt, five inch heels, and a leopard printed sheer blouse that showed off her hot pink bra straps. My head still shakes thinking that this poor girl thought that it was an appropriate interview outfit. If only she had taken my class! This lesson is to help students prepare their interview and resume writing skills. If you’re looking for more on dressing for an interview take a look at this lesson.
Internships Lesson
It is common to teach high school and college students about how to interview for jobs, how to fill out resumes and how to get a degree in line with their passion. It is not very common to teach students how to succeed on their very first internship. Not all interns are created equal. There are key differentiating factors. This lesson aims to teach students how to have a meaningful internship experience. This lesson can also be geared to students who are getting their first job.
Life Long Learning Book Report
This project is a part of a high school senior life skills class. I explain to the students that after high school it is really up to them to engage in learning on their own. No one is going to spoon feed them. One of the ways adults learn is by reading books on subjects that they need to work on or learn more about.
College Project
Get your college bounds students prepared with this detailed project preparing them for life on the college campus. Have them choose their courses before they leave, plan a budget, apply for scholarships, and create a campus map.