Career Explorations Course Overview

 What is a Career Explorations Course?

Career Explorations is a class that gives students the opportunity to explore skills associated with a wide variety of careers through hands-on learning modules. Over the course of nine weeks, students will rotate through different labs that will introduce them to basic skills of each profession.  Exposure to these skills will help students expand their knowledge of personal strengths and broaden their interests in potential pathways for future learning.

The Career Explorations Modules in Lab 1 at Rossview Middle School are listed below.

●      CAD & Design

●      Home Maintenance Systems

●      Hospitality & Tourism Management

●       Intro to Culinary Arts

●      Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness

●      Materials Processing & Design

●      Video Production

●      Energy & Power

●       Flight & Drone Technology

●      Intro to Computer Science

●      Mechanisms

●      Nursing

●      Occupational Health &                Safety Construction

●       Robotics

●      Veterinary Medicine

What does each Career Explorations module entail?

Once assigned a module, students will work in collaboration with a partner to complete a sequence of lessons that typically starts with a basic introduction to the career cluster and moves into a series of hands-on activities that build from one day to the next.  In this set-up, students drive their own learning through exploration while the teacher serves as a facilitator supporting students with questions about use of equipment or resources. 

Every pair of students will be working in a different lab from their classmates for the duration of each module.  As such, students must be on their best behavior at all times. Respecting both classmates and equipment, while following the expectations of the classroom and the daily directions within each module will be of paramount importance to ensure a safe and orderly work environment.

Each module is accessed through the Paxton-Patterson tile within Classlink, so students will need to bring charged laptops to class with them daily. Many of the modules contain videos and read aloud options, so students are also encouraged to bring headphones with them to class.

Tracking Progress

Daily checkpoints are built into each module within the Paxton Patterson platform. These checkpoints are designed to showcase different aspects of student performance, including knowledge checks, completion of tasks, demonstration of skills, adherence to safety protocols, and reflective work. Students will be instructed on how to submit daily evidence to the teacher.

Grades will be based on the accumulation of points from these daily checkpoints and participation. Students should actively engage in all activities and adhere to lab rules to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Trust and Responsibility

For most students, the most exciting part of the Career Explorations labs involves using real tools, in real-world scenarios.  Safe and responsible use of these resources is crucial for ensuring a positive experience in the classroom. 

Respect for the lab environment, the equipment, and fellow students is vital for maintaining a safe and productive learning experience.  Teachers will review protocols for use of equipment and materials with students.  In turn, students must utilize all equipment and materials for the expressed purpose of the lab.  Any student who chooses to use lab equipment inappropriately will be disciplined as described in the Student Code of Conduct.

Damage to equipment will not only disrupt subsequent classes, but can also result in injury to students. Students will be instructed to wait for teacher assistance if they are unsure of how to appropriately utilize any materials or equipment. If a student intentionally damages or misplaces equipment, the student may be held financially responsible for repairs or replacement.

Students who do not demonstrate the necessary responsibility for collaborative work within the Career Explorations class may be restricted in module choices, given alternative assignments, or face removal from the class. 

 Career Explorations Lab Expectations & Safety Guidelines 

• Respect: Be respectful of classmates, adults, materials and equipment in the lab.
• Safety First: Follow all safety instructions and guidelines.
  • Read all instructions before touching any lab materials, paying close attention to Warning, Safety or Caution Call-out boxes in the activity directions.
  • Ask for help when directions are unclear or use of equipment is confusing.
  • Wear required protective gear such as safety glasses and gloves.
  • Use equipment and materials only for their intended purposes.
  • Keep pathways clear by placing backpacks and other materials in designated areas.
  • Stay focused on the task at hand, avoiding horseplay or other disruptive behavior
• Preparation: Follow teacher expectations for set-up of daily materials and equipment.
• Technology: Bring charged computers to class daily; utilize only the platform required to complete lab activities.
• Teamwork: Work collaboratively with classmates; discuss concerns about partner work, privately, with the teacher.
• Time Management: Complete tasks within the time allotted.
• Equipment & Materials: Use equipment and materials as stated in the module directions and instructed by the teacher; do not remove anything from the lab without the teacher’s permission.
• Cleanliness: Keep lab space neat and tidy; return equipment to its designated place at the end of each class.
• Food and Drink: Neither food, nor drinks, are permitted in the lab at any time.
• Headphones: Use only when required as part of the lab.
• Report Hazards: Immediately report any unsafe conditions, broken equipment, or accidents to the teacher. Do not attempt to fix equipment or clean up spills without guidance.