Less than $5 6th Grade Career and Technical Education Projects (by price, high to low)

Genius Hour, Passion Projects and 20% Time Projects have gained in popularity over the past several years as students seek relevance in their work, an authentic audience, and more control of their own learning. These lessons and resources will get you started with this project in your classroom.

In these projects, students are given time to work on a project that is of interest to them to further their learning. They brainstorm and research to find their topic, refine a guiding question, and then create a proposal for teacher approval before beginning work on the project. The final project involves a presentation to the class (or to a group from the community) about their project and a demonstration of the product they created.

The unit was developed for Middle School (Grades 6-8) but would be appropriate for upper elementary or high school as well. Lower elementary students could also do this project with modifications.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Included in this unit are the following:

• Unit Overview and Teacher Resources

• Student Expectations for the Project (editable)

• Project Proposal Assignment – Instructions, Expectations and Grading (editable)

• Student Proposal Worksheet – Print and Digital Versions (editable)

• Student Work Log – Print and Digital Versions (editable)

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Do you want to raise awareness for those in wheelchairs? How do you do that in an engineering class? You find instances where ADA is not being followed and you have your students design a new entry way in CAD! That's what this lesson is all about!! Students are made aware of a local building that does not meet ADA requirements and the owner is being sued. Your students work for an engineering firm. They must, first, research the law. Then they design a new entry way that meets ADA requirements.

This lesson includes:
Student Handout
Graphic Organizer
PowerPoint presentation
Google SketchUp rendering of the building front

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Learning about Transportation Careers gives students an introduction to what individuals in this career field do on the job. This is perfect for a technology, business or marketing class, or a class that focuses on careers. Students learn about the career as they research information and create a short PowerPoint presentation. Next, they apply their knowledge to learn more about logistics as they choose a product and understand how it would be transported and stored. Finally, they use Sketchup (a free CAD download) to create an “ideal” form of transportation and justify their choices for the design. This project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for older students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

• Introduction to Transportation Careers Project

• Understanding Logistics Project

• “Ideal” Transportation Design Project

• Project Samples

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
⭐ Real World Math - How Math is Used in Transportation Careers

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In this lesson, students learn more about how to critically view and judge the validity and trustworthiness of a web site. Included with the lesson is a Webquest to learn about some of the criteria to evaluate on a web site with questions that require reading and critical thinking skills as they learn what to look for in a reliable site. Then, students use the knowledge they have gained to create an Infographic using Canva (www.canva.com – a free, online graphic program) that outlines what others need to look for in a reliable web site. These project are great to print and display in the classroom or hallway!

Great for the beginning of the school year to get student research off on the right foot, this lesson is suitable for technology classes, English Language Arts classes, or any class that will use the Internet as a source for research information.

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary grades or high school as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Evaluating Web Sites WebQuest Student Instructions and Questions

• Evaluating Web Sites WebQuest Answer Key

• Evaluating Web Sites Infographic Project Expectations & Grading Rubric

• Canva Quick Start Tutorial

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This project lets students learn about the physics and math behind geodesic domes as they research and create one with their team. After introducing the lesson with a short video (link included in resources), students work with their team to design and build a geodesic dome. First, students create the model using Sketchup (free downloadable CAD software available at: http://www.sketchup.com/download?sketchup=make). Then, using their design, they build the structure to scale with their team. Next, students present their project to the class and explain their design choices. Finally, students reflect on and summarize their learning with short answers to questions about the experience and what they learned.

This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades or high school as well.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for Sketchup CAD drawing

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for building project

• Team Sign Up Sheet

• Reflection Questions

Related Products
⭐ The Physics Behind Tensegrity Structures - STEM Building & Research Activity
⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides
⭐ The Physics of Bridges
⭐ The Physics of Windmills

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Perfect for art, engineering, CTE or technology classes, this project based learning lesson lets students design their own floor plan using their choice of two different Web 2.0 tools. Next, they furnish the house and finally, they give a detailed explanation of the types of furniture and colors they chose for each room on a detailed chart.

Included in the file:

* Teacher and Student Resources, including video and extension activities

* Project Expectations and Grading Rubric

* Room Chart for furniture and color choices

* Sample Floor Plan Projects

I've used this with 7th and 8th graders as they study the Architecture and Construction careers as a real world project that Architects and Interior Designers would do and it's always a hit! I hope your students enjoy it as much as mine have.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Architecture & Construction
⭐ Real World Math - How Architects Use Math in their Career

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Learning about Industrial/Product Design (Manufacturing) Careers gives students an introduction to what individuals in this career field do on the job. This is perfect for a technology, business or marketing class, or a class that focuses on careers. Students learn about the career by viewing a short, teacher-led PowerPoint. Next, they learn more about patents and trademarks as they research these topics on the Internet to answer provided questions. Finally, students work in teams to develop a unique product of their own and build a prototype of the product. The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for older students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

• Introduction to Industrial/Product Design (Manufacturing Careers) PowerPoint

• Learning about Patents and Trademarks Student Handout

• Learning about Patents and Trademarks Answer Key

• Design a New Product Project Expectations, Instructions & Rubric

• Design Worksheet

• Team Sign Up Sheet

• Project Samples

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Manufacturing
⭐ Real World Math Skills - How Math is Used in Manufacturing Careers

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In this lesson, students learn about famous fashion designers, their work and how their work influenced society. Students choose a fashion designer of interest (on their own or from a provided list) and then research specific information about them, creating a presentation in software of their choice (Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or a variety of free Web 2.0 tools).

Perfect for business, history, social studies, family and consumer science, fashion design or career exploration classes. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in any secondary classroom.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Student instructions, expectations and grading rubric

• Suggested list of famous fashion designers

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ How Fashion Designers Use Math in their Career - Real World Math
⭐ History of Fashion Design - Research and
Presentation Project

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Learning about Graphic Design gives students an introduction to what graphic designers do on the job. This is perfect for a technology, business or marketing class, or a class that focuses on careers. Students learn about the career from the provided PowerPoint (short teacher presentation) Next, they apply their knowledge in a logo identification game, and finally they design and create a logo of their own. The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for older students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

• Introduction to Graphic Design Careers PowerPoint

• Identify the Logo Activity Instructions

• Identify the Logo Student Handout

• Identify the Logo Answer Key

• Logo Creation Project Expectations, Instructions & Grading Rubric

• Logo Project Samples

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ Graphic Design Projects using the Web 2.0 Tool Canva
⭐ Real World Math - How Math is Used in Arts, A/V Tech & Communication Careers

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In this lesson, students learn more about the history of graphic design. Students choose a time period in history from a provided list, research that era, and then choose the software they will use to showcase their research. Students can choose to create a presentation, a brochure, or a video using Web 2.0 tools such as Prezi, Adobe Spark, eMaze, Canva, etc. (free, no download needed) or by using Microsoft Office or Google Apps. A full list of software/technology options is listed in the student lesson instructions and includes links to tutorials. For classrooms with limited technology, this lesson can be completed with students working in pairs or small groups. The completed presentations can be shared with the rest of the class if the teacher chooses.

This is a great activity for a social studies or history class, career exploration class, Principles of Arts, A/V Technology & Communications class, or any technology class. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for individual lesson

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for partner/team lesson

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

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The unusual and creative designs of Novelty Architecture are immediately interesting to middle school students. This lesson is perfect for an introduction to engineering, design, CAD, careers, advertising/marketing or history.

After a class discussion about the examples in the PowerPoint (and/or the additional examples in the resources section), students design their own functional building that meets the criteria for novelty architecture. They explore some of the potential problems in designing a building of this type and have the opportunity to utilize their creative skills as they find a unique way to create a building that looks like the company’s product or service.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Included with this Lesson

• Teacher Resources and Lesson Overview

• PowerPoint of examples of Novelty Architecture

• Project Expectations for Novelty Architecture Design (includes rubric)

My 7th and 8th graders love this project each year and I hope yours will too!

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Architecture & Construction
⭐ Real World Math - How Architects Use Math in their Career
⭐ Famous Architects & Their Place in History - Research & PowerPoint Project
⭐ Research & Build a House - Architectural Styles & Their Creators

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In this lesson, students learn more about the history of fashion design. Students choose a time period in history from a provided list, research that era, and then choose the software they will use to showcase their research. Students can choose to create a presentation, a brochure, or a video using Web 2.0 tools (free, no download needed) or by using Microsoft Office or Google Apps. For classrooms with limited technology, this lesson can be completed with students working in pairs or small groups. The completed presentations can be shared with the rest of the class if the teacher chooses.

This is a great activity for a social studies or history class, career exploration class, Principles of Arts, A/V Technology & Communications class, or any technology class. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for individual lesson

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for partner/team lesson

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ How Fashion Designers Use Math in their Career - Real World Math

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In this lesson, students learn more about the history of photography. Students choose a time period in history from a provided list, research that era, and then choose the software they will use to showcase their research. Students can choose to create a presentation, a brochure, or a video using Web 2.0 tools such as Prezi, Adobe Spark, eMaze, Canva, etc. (free, no download needed) or by using Microsoft Office or Google Apps. A full list of software/technology options is listed in the student lesson instructions and includes links to tutorials. For classrooms with limited technology, this lesson can be completed with students working in pairs or small groups. The completed presentations can be shared with the rest of the class if the teacher chooses.

This is a great activity for a social studies or history class, career exploration class, Principles of Arts, A/V Technology & Communications class, or any technology class. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for individual lesson

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for partner/team lesson

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ Real World Math - How Math is Used in Arts, A/V Tech & Communication Careers

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In this lesson, students create fashions of their own using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Paint. Students can also use one of these free Web 2.0 tools: SketchPad (https://sketch.io/sketchpad/) or SumoPaint (https://www.sumopaint.com/home/#app) that do not require download. Two versions of the lesson are included: one is a shorter version to create just one fashion and the other is a longer version to create a fashion line (6-8 items) which are combined into a collage. Depending on the class and the amount of time available, the teacher can choose which version is most appropriate. Both versions include a writing and reflection component to the lesson, giving students the opportunity to consider how they made their design choices. Links to tutorials for the programs are also provided to assist students with their creations. A basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop is helpful if those programs are being used. However, beginning students can incorporate tutorials with this lesson to successfully learn the program as they create their designs.

This is a great activity for a career exploration class, Principles of Arts, A/V Technology & Communications class, Family & Consumer Sciences, Fashion Design, or any technology class. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Fashion Design Creation Lesson - Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric (two versions: short (1 design) and long (6-8 designs)

• Writing Reflection Lesson (two versions)

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ How Fashion Designers Use Math in their Career - Real World Math
⭐ History of Fashion Design - Research and
Presentation Project
⭐ Famous Fashion Designers - Research and Presentation Project
⭐ Digital Fashion Design Notebook

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Learning about Careers – Landscape Architecture Simulation project gives students an opportunity to experience what Landscape Architects actually do. This is perfect for a technology, business or marketing class, or a class that focuses on careers. Students use Web 2.0 tools such as: (Plan a Garden, Gardena, Small Blue Print Planner (download, online version coming soon), or Sketchup to design an amazing outdoor area for a home. This project was created for a grade 7-8 Career Exploration class, but could easily be adapted for older students.

Materials Required

· Access to computers for each student (or pair of students)

· Internet access

· Access to Sketchup (CAD software – free download) - optional

Project Duration (approximate)

· Introduction to Landscape Architecture Careers (video and PowerPoint Presentation) – .75 to 1 (50 minute) class period(s)

· Creation and landscape design project – 1.5 – 2 (50 minute) class periods

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

• PowerPoint Presentation (teacher led introduction to the career)

• Landscape Design Simulation Lesson Expectations, Instructions and Rubric

• Sample Designs

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Architecture & Construction
⭐ Real World Math - How Architects Use Math in their Career

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What student doesn't love games – especially video games! In this lesson, students learn more about the origin and history of video games. Students choose a time period in history from a provided list, research that era, and then choose the software they will use to showcase their research. Students can choose to create a presentation, a brochure, or a video using Web 2.0 tools such as Prezi, Adobe Spark, eMaze, Canva, etc. (free, no download needed) or by using Microsoft Office or Google Apps. A full list of software/technology options is listed in the student lesson instructions and includes links to tutorials. For classrooms with limited technology, this lesson can be completed with students working in pairs or small groups. The completed presentations can be shared with the rest of the class if the teacher chooses.

This is a great activity for a social studies or history class, career exploration class, Principles of Arts, A/V Technology & Communications class, or any technology class. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for individual lesson

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric for partner/team lesson

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ Real World Math - How Math is Used in Arts, A/V Tech & Communication Careers

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Redesign a Bedroom using Microsoft Excel gives students an opportunity to research items to totally redesign their bedroom and then, working with a given budget, to create a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet budget of those items. This is a great project to do with students who have a beginning knowledge of Microsoft Excel to reinforce those skills. It can also be used successfully with students who have no knowledge of Microsoft Excel if it is preceded by some basic tutorials (links included below). This project was designed to also build skills in Internet research, reading, writing and critical thinking.

The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for younger or older students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher Notes and Resources

• Student Expectations & Rubric - Research & Excel Budget Project

• Re-Design a Bedroom Planning Research Worksheet

• Sample Bedroom Redesign Budget Project in Excel

• Sample Excel Spreadsheet with Formulas

Related Products
⭐ Excelling with Excel - Beginner Activities
⭐ Excelling with Excel - Intermediate Tutorial & Activities

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This STEM project encourages teamwork as students utilize the Engineering Design Process to design, build, test and re-engineer a marble maze created with limited materials. Each group is given a box or bag with the same materials and each team has the same time to design the best possible maze that will allow a standard marble to make the longest possible run.

Students use the first day to choose teams, understand the project expectations, and complete the Engineering Process Design Worksheet. The next three days, they are building the maze. Finally, on the fifth day of the project, each team competes to see which maze wins!

This lesson includes:

1. Teacher Resources and Information

2. Engineering Design Process Worksheet

3. Team sign up sheet

4. Junk Box War Maze Project Expectations

5. Alternate Writing Assignment

6. Competition Scoring Sheet

My 7th and 8th graders love this project each year and really compete to win! I hope your students enjoy it too.

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Learning about Simple Machines with a "Rube Goldberg" construction project gives students an opportunity to research information and then apply that knowledge to a hands-on project they design and build with their team.

First, students complete a short WebQuest / Internet Scavenger Hunt to learn (or reinforce) the basics of simple machines. Then, with their team, they design and build a project that utilizes that knowledge from recycled materials. The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for upper elementary students as well.

This lesson includes:

1. Teacher Notes and Resources

2. Simple Machines WebQuest Intro Activity (includes answer key)

3. Student Expectations & Rubric for building project

4. Materials and supplies list for project

This is a fun STEM project, that reinforces the concepts of Simple Machines and encourages students to create a fun, working design.

Related Products
⭐ Digital Engineering Notebook - Fully Editable in PowerPoint & Google Slides
⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides

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A Teacher Needs Your Help!!
Challenge your students to design and build a motorization kit for a teacher's cart. Everything that you need to start this project is included! The Problem Statement. Images of the Cart. Dimensions of the Cart. Brainstorming and Project Sheets. Step by Step instructional PowerPoint for students. Great project for end-of-year OR anytime!

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