Created byHaley Strange

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FutureScape: My 5-Year Plan

Grade 11Other4 days

This project empowers 11th-grade students to design a flexible and financially responsible 5-year post-secondary plan that aligns their passions, values, and interests with achievable educational and career pathways. Students engage in self-discovery activities, explore various educational options, investigate financial implications, and develop contingency plans to prepare for potential changes. The culmination of the project is a comprehensive 5-year blueprint that includes specific goals, a detailed budget, and a timeline of key milestones, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Students will present their plan to a panel of teachers, counselors, or mentors for feedback.

5-Year PlanPost-Secondary EducationCareer PathwaysFinancial PlanningContingency PlanningAdaptabilitySelf-Discovery

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can I design a flexible and financially responsible 5-year plan that aligns my passions, values, and interests with achievable post-secondary educational and career pathways, while also preparing for potential changes in my goals and circumstances?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are my passions, interests, and values, and how can they inform my post-secondary choices?
What educational pathways (e.g., college, vocational training, apprenticeships) align with my career aspirations?
What specific steps can I take now to prepare for my desired post-secondary path?
What are the potential financial implications of my post-secondary plan, and how can I manage them?
How might I adapt my plan if my goals or circumstances change?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Design a detailed 5-year post-secondary plan
Align passions, values, and interests with educational and career pathways
Prepare for potential changes in goals and circumstances
Understand financial implications of post-secondary plan and manage them

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The "Future You" Time Capsule

Students write a letter to their future selves detailing their hopes and dreams for the next 5 years. These are sealed in a time capsule to be opened at a class reunion, creating anticipation and investment in their future plans.

Reality Check: The Cost of My Dreams

Invite a panel of recent graduates from diverse fields to discuss the realities of post-secondary life, including financial challenges, career pivots, and unexpected opportunities. This grounds student aspirations in real-world experiences and encourages proactive planning.

5-Year Trajectory Speed Dating

Students rotate through stations representing different post-secondary pathways (e.g., university, trade school, entrepreneurship, travel). At each station, they engage in brief, focused discussions with mentors or experts, sparking curiosity and broadening their understanding of available options.

Future World Simulation

Students participate in an interactive simulation where they navigate potential future scenarios related to their chosen career paths, making decisions and experiencing the consequences. This gamified approach brings the abstract concept of future planning to life and fosters critical thinking skills.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Passion & Values Pathfinder

Students embark on a journey of self-discovery to identify their core passions, values, and interests. This activity involves reflective exercises, personality assessments, and brainstorming sessions to create a personal compass that guides their post-secondary choices.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Complete a values clarification worksheet to identify top personal values.

2. Take a career interest inventory and analyze the results.

3. Reflect on past experiences (hobbies, volunteer work, academic subjects) to pinpoint recurring interests.

4. Write a personal mission statement that integrates passions, values, and interests.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personal mission statement and a detailed list of passions, values, and interests with specific examples.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAlign passions, values, and interests with educational and career pathways.

Activity 2

Educational Pathway Navigator

Students research various post-secondary educational pathways (e.g., universities, vocational schools, community colleges, apprenticeships) that align with their identified passions, values, and interests. They will compare and contrast these options, considering factors such as program offerings, admission requirements, cost, and location.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Identify three potential career paths that align with your passions and interests.

2. Research the educational requirements for each career path (e.g., degree level, certifications).

3. Explore different educational institutions offering relevant programs.

4. Create a comparison chart outlining the pros and cons of each educational pathway.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed comparison chart of potential educational pathways, including program details, admission requirements, costs, and potential career outcomes.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAlign passions, values, and interests with educational and career pathways.

Activity 3

Financial Reality Architect

Students investigate the financial implications of their chosen post-secondary pathways. This includes researching tuition costs, living expenses, potential financial aid options (scholarships, grants, loans), and creating a preliminary budget. Students will also explore strategies for managing finances and minimizing debt.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, living expenses) for your chosen educational institution(s).

2. Explore potential financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

3. Create a preliminary budget outlining income (from savings, part-time jobs, financial aid) and expenses.

4. Research strategies for managing finances and minimizing debt (e.g., budgeting apps, responsible credit card use).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed budget outlining the projected costs and funding sources for their post-secondary education, along with a summary of debt management strategies.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsUnderstand financial implications of post-secondary plan and manage them.

Activity 4

Adaptability Navigator

Students develop contingency plans to address potential changes in their goals or circumstances. This involves identifying potential obstacles (e.g., changing career interests, financial difficulties, family responsibilities) and brainstorming alternative pathways or solutions. The goal is to foster resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Identify potential obstacles or challenges that could disrupt your 5-year plan (e.g., changing career interests, financial difficulties, family responsibilities).

2. Brainstorm alternative pathways or solutions for each potential obstacle.

3. Research resources and support systems that can help you navigate these challenges (e.g., career counseling, financial aid offices, tutoring services).

4. Develop a revised 5-year plan that incorporates these contingency plans.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA revised 5-year plan that includes contingency plans for potential obstacles, along with a list of relevant resources and support systems.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsPrepare for potential changes in goals and circumstances.

Activity 5

My Future Trajectory: 5-Year Blueprint

Students synthesize all previous activities into a comprehensive 5-year post-secondary plan. This plan will include specific educational and career goals, a detailed budget, and contingency plans for potential challenges. The final product will be a well-researched and personalized roadmap for their future.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review and refine your personal mission statement, educational pathway comparison chart, budget, and contingency plans.

2. Create a timeline outlining key milestones and goals for each year of the 5-year plan.

3. Write a narrative summary of your 5-year plan, explaining your goals, strategies, and contingency plans.

4. Present your 5-year plan to a panel of teachers, counselors, or mentors for feedback.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive 5-year post-secondary plan with specific educational and career goals, a detailed budget, contingency plans, and a timeline of key milestones.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDesign a detailed 5-year post-secondary plan.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

FutureScape: 5-Year Post-Secondary Plan Rubric

Category 1

Passion & Values Integration

Demonstrates the integration of personal passions, values, and interests into the 5-year plan. Focuses on the clarity and depth of self-awareness and how this self-awareness informs post-secondary choices.

Criterion 1

Mission Statement Clarity

The extent to which the personal mission statement clearly and authentically reflects the student's passions, values, and interests.

Exemplary

4 Points

The mission statement is exceptionally clear, concise, and deeply reflective of the student's passions, values, and interests, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of self.

Proficient

3 Points

The mission statement is clear and reflects the student's passions, values, and interests, demonstrating a thorough understanding of self.

Developing

2 Points

The mission statement shows some connection to the student's passions, values, and interests, but may lack clarity or depth.

Beginning

1 Points

The mission statement is vague or does not clearly reflect the student's passions, values, and interests.

Category 2

Educational Pathway Exploration

Evaluates the depth and breadth of research into potential educational pathways and the alignment of these pathways with the student's goals.

Criterion 1

Pathway Comparison

The thoroughness and accuracy of the comparison chart outlining different educational pathways, including program details, admission requirements, costs, and potential career outcomes.

Exemplary

4 Points

The comparison chart is exceptionally detailed, accurate, and insightful, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of various educational pathways and their implications.

Proficient

3 Points

The comparison chart is detailed and accurate, demonstrating a thorough understanding of various educational pathways.

Developing

2 Points

The comparison chart includes some relevant information about educational pathways, but may lack detail or accuracy.

Beginning

1 Points

The comparison chart is incomplete or lacks essential information about educational pathways.

Category 3

Financial Planning & Management

Assesses the student's understanding of the financial implications of their post-secondary plan and their ability to create a realistic budget and identify debt management strategies.

Criterion 1

Budget Detail & Realism

The level of detail and realism in the budget, including consideration of tuition costs, living expenses, financial aid options, and income sources.

Exemplary

4 Points

The budget is exceptionally detailed, realistic, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of financial planning principles, including proactive debt management strategies.

Proficient

3 Points

The budget is detailed and realistic, demonstrating a thorough understanding of financial planning.

Developing

2 Points

The budget includes some relevant financial information, but may lack detail or realism.

Beginning

1 Points

The budget is incomplete or lacks essential financial information.

Category 4

Adaptability & Contingency Planning

Evaluates the student's ability to anticipate potential obstacles and develop contingency plans to address them, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Criterion 1

Contingency Plan Thoroughness

The thoroughness and feasibility of the contingency plans developed to address potential obstacles or challenges.

Exemplary

4 Points

The contingency plans are exceptionally thorough, feasible, and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of potential challenges and proactive problem-solving skills.

Proficient

3 Points

The contingency plans are thorough and feasible, demonstrating a good understanding of potential challenges.

Developing

2 Points

The contingency plans address some potential challenges, but may lack detail or feasibility.

Beginning

1 Points

The contingency plans are incomplete or do not adequately address potential challenges.

Category 5

5-Year Plan Synthesis & Presentation

Assesses the overall coherence, clarity, and persuasiveness of the final 5-year plan, including the timeline, narrative summary, and presentation.

Criterion 1

Plan Coherence & Clarity

The overall coherence, clarity, and organization of the 5-year plan, including the timeline and narrative summary.

Exemplary

4 Points

The 5-year plan is exceptionally coherent, clear, and well-organized, demonstrating a sophisticated ability to synthesize information and communicate effectively.

Proficient

3 Points

The 5-year plan is coherent, clear, and well-organized, demonstrating a good ability to synthesize information.

Developing

2 Points

The 5-year plan shows some coherence and clarity, but may lack organization or detail.

Beginning

1 Points

The 5-year plan is disorganized, unclear, and lacks essential information.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflecting on the 'Future You' Time Capsule activity, what are some key differences between your initial hopes and dreams and the plans you've developed throughout this project?

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Question 2

How has the 'Reality Check: The Cost of My Dreams' panel discussion influenced your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in post-secondary life, and how have you incorporated these insights into your 5-year plan?

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Question 3

In what ways did the '5-Year Trajectory Speed Dating' activity broaden your understanding of available post-secondary options, and how did you refine your plan based on these explorations?

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Question 4

How did the 'Future World Simulation' activity help you anticipate potential challenges and develop contingency plans, and what specific scenarios did you find most impactful?

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Question 5

On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you in your ability to adapt your 5-year plan to unexpected challenges or changes in your goals?

Scale

Required

Question 6

Which of the portfolio activities (Passion & Values Pathfinder, Educational Pathway Navigator, Financial Reality Architect, Adaptability Navigator, My Future Trajectory: 5-Year Blueprint) did you find most valuable in developing your 5-year plan, and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Passion & Values Pathfinder

Educational Pathway Navigator

Financial Reality Architect

Adaptability Navigator

My Future Trajectory: 5-Year Blueprint