Cruisin' to Success!
Other • 45 • 124 students • Created with AI following Aligned with Common Core State Standards
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Teaching Instructions
"Cruisin’ to Success!"
8th Grade Final Road Trip Project
Purpose: Build a Professional Portfolio on Google Sites to showcase skills, identity, leadership, and career goals.
Final Submission Deadline: Thursday, May 7th Format: Google Site Portfolio + 45-sec audio/face intro via Canva Project Duration: 3 Weeks Your Out-of-Class Dates: (Insert Dates) – Virtual Career Fair Coverage included
CLASSROOM TOPICS STRUCTURE (Google Classroom Layout) Kickoff: Start Your Engines! Topic: Project Overview + Google Site Setup
Objectives: Understand the project purpose and layout Begin Google Sites setup Instructions: Review Final Project Overview Slide Deck (attached in Classroom) Watch this Google Sites Beginner Tutorial Follow the provided Google Sites Layout Template Required Sections on Google Site:
- About Me
- My Hero & Leadership Vision
- Digital Citizenship Trial Experience
- Career Exploration & Resume
- Voice/Video Site Presentation
Tools: Google Sites, Google Docs (layout planner), Brisk (editing support), MagicSchool (reflection prompts)
Mile Marker #1: "Mirror Check – Who Are You?" Topic: Personal Brand & "About Me" Section Due: April 22
Focus: Identity, talents, involvement, skills, achievements
Connected Projects: Real-Life Superhero, Leadership Vision Board
Instructions: Use your Superhero and Vision Board to define your values and strengths Complete the “About Me Worksheet” (Kami editable or Google Doc) Design a CANVA One-Pager summarizing YOU and embed it in your site
Tools: Kami, CANVA, Google Docs, Pear Deck (for check-ins)
Resource Link: Personal Branding Guide for Students – Canva
Mile Marker #2: "Where Are You Going?" Topic: Career Clusters, Career Goals, Resume Starter Due: April 25
Focus: Build goals and vision around future careers
Instructions: Revisit your Career Cluster Kahoot/Blooket results Attend Virtual Career Fair (see below) – one cluster/day Choose 1 career path and use the MagicSchool Resume Starter Tool Complete "Career Journey Journal" (Google Slides) Upload a screenshot or saved version of your resume draft to your site
Tools: Clever (career exploration tools), Quizizz (Career Path quiz), MagicSchool, Google Slides
-Mile Marker #3: "Map It Out – Site Building Time" Topic: Google Site Design & Content Integration Due: April 30
Focus: Add artifacts from previous work: Hero, Vision, Mock Trial, Resume
Instructions: Use the Google Docs Portfolio Checklist to track progress
Embed: Superhero Reflection Vision Board Mock Trial Roles Career Journal & Resume Use Brisk for site writing review and tone checking
Tools: Google Docs, Brisk, Google Sites, MagicSchool
Mile Marker #4: "Roadside Attractions – Present YOU" Topic: Site Presentation with Canva Voice/Video Due: May 3
Focus: Public speaking, digital expression
Instructions: Open your site in Canva’s video recording template Record voice only or face + voice explaining your site in under 45 seconds Upload or embed the recording to your Google Site
Tools: CANVA, Google Sites
Resource: How to Record Yourself in Canva
Mile Marker #5: "Destination Celebration!" Topic: Final Reflections + Recognition Event Due: May 7
Instructions: Write a “Letter to My Future High School Self” (Google Docs)
Complete the Reflection Exit Survey via Google Forms
Participate in the Virtual Award Celebration
Tools: Google Docs, Google Forms, Kahoot, Quizizz
Recognition Program – “HALL OF FAME” Badges: Super Communicator – for voice/video excellence
Future CEO – for top branding/resume effort
Design Boss – for the best visual site
Ready to Launch – for top career research
Kind Heart, Bold Vision – for leadership and compassion
Students receive digital certificates via CANVA and shout-outs on the classroom stream.
VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR – SUB PLANS (During Your Absence) Dates: (Insert Conference Days) Daily Activity Structure:
Daily Check-in Forms: Use Google Forms exit tickets to confirm each student completed the assigned task.
Let me know if you'd like me to create: Google Docs Templates (Resume Starter, About Me Planner, etc.)
Google Slides Deck for daily lessons
Brisk or MagicSchool custom prompts
CANVA design templates for badges or About Me posters
You're all set to run an incredible end-of-year journey for your students.
Cruisin' to Success!
Grade Level: 8th
Duration: 45 Minutes
Class Size: 124 Students
Lesson Overview
This lesson serves as the kickoff for the "Cruisin’ to Success!" project, where students begin building their professional portfolio on Google Sites. The goal is to familiarize them with the project objectives and set them up for success in creating their portfolios.
Objectives
- Understand the purpose and layout of the final project.
- Utilize Google Sites for initial setup.
- Identify sections to include in their professional portfolio.
Standards Alignment
-
Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.6: Use technology, including the internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information.
-
National Digital Citizenship Standards
- Students will confidently engage with technology and the digital world while promoting safe and responsible usage.
Materials Needed
- Computers/Tablets with internet access
- Projector and screen for presentations
- Google Classroom access
- Google Sites
- Google Docs
- Brisk for editing support
- MagicSchool for reflection prompts
- A copy of the Final Project Overview Slide Deck
Classroom Setup
- Arrange students in groups of 4-5 for collaborative discussions.
- Ensure all students can access Google Classroom and necessary tools.
Lesson Structure
1. Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Hook: Ask, "How do you want to present yourself to the world after middle school?"
- Discuss the importance of a professional brand and how the project will help them craft their identity.
2. Project Overview (10 Minutes)
- Presentation: Display the Final Project Overview Slide Deck.
- Highlight key components:
- Timeline
- Required sections for the Google Site
- Final submission details
- Discussion: Allow students to ask questions to clarify their understanding.
3. Google Sites Setup (15 Minutes)
- Activity: Show the Google Sites Beginner Tutorial.
- Hands-On Creation:
- Students will log into Google Sites and start a new site using the provided layout template.
- Instruct students to create the "About Me" section for their site:
- Add a title and heading.
- Leave space for their picture and introduction.
4. Reflection and Brainstorming (10 Minutes)
- Group Activity: In their small groups, students will discuss their personal values and strengths based on the attached “About Me Worksheet.”
- Check-In: Use Pear Deck or a similar tool for students to share their thoughts on one identity trait or skill they want to showcase.
5. Wrap-Up and Next Steps (5 Minutes)
- Closure: Recap the project and what they've accomplished today.
- Assignments: Remind students of the due dates for the first milestone and encourage them to continue working on their "About Me" Section at home.
- Inform students that next class will focus on their hero and leadership vision, and they should start brainstorming ideas.
Differentiated Instruction Strategies
- Visual Learners: Utilize multimedia presentations and visual aids.
- Auditory Learners: Encourage participation in discussions and group work.
- Kinesthetic Learners: Provide hands-on experiences in setting up their Google Site.
Inclusion Practices
- Ensure all resources are accessible to students with varying needs.
- Encourage peer support and collaboration in group activities.
Assessment
- Observe group discussions to gauge understanding of the project.
- Monitor progress on Google Sites during the hands-on session.
- Exit Ticket: Each student submits one takeaway from today’s lesson through Google Forms.
Follow-Up
- Prepare additional templates for the "About Me Worksheet" and provide a tutorial for Google Sites if students need further assistance.
Resources for Teachers
- Google Docs Templates (resume starter, About Me planner)
- Slide Deck for daily lessons
- Design templates for CANVA
This detailed lesson plan aims to excite students about their upcoming project while equipping them with essential skills in digital literacy and personal branding.
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