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Lesson Plan: Investigating Careers Using the Bureau of Labor StatisticsGrade Level

ree

High School (9–12)

Subject

Financial Literacy / Personal Finance & Money Management

Objective

Students will investigate and analyze data on a profession of their interest using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website to understand trends, salary information, education requirements, and future job outlook.


Sunshine State Standards Alignment (CPALMS)

  • SS.912.FL.1.2: Explain how education, training, and career choices impact lifetime income.

  • SS.912.FL.2.3: Analyze how career opportunities, income, and education affect financial planning.

  • SS.912.FL.3.4: Explain how employment earnings are determined in the labor market.

  • SS.912.FL.4.1: Identify resources (like BLS) for career and financial decision-making.

  • SS.912.E.1.17: Evaluate the impact of wages and salaries on consumption and savings decisions.


Materials

Instructions

1. Choosing a Profession

  • Each student selects a profession that interests them.

  • Encourage students to consider personal strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

2. Research Using BLS

Students will collect information in the following categories:

  • Nature of the Work: Daily responsibilities and work environment.

  • Education and Training: Required education level, certifications, or licenses.

  • Employment: Current employment statistics (number of jobs).

  • Job Outlook: Growth or decline rate over the next 10 years.

  • Earnings: Median annual wages compared to similar jobs.

  • Will this degree earn enough to support me and my family?


3. Analysis and Writing

  • Students write a one-paragraph summary covering:

    • Overview of the profession.

    • Education/training required.

    • Current job statistics and future outlook.

    • Salary insights and comparisons.

4. Presentation Matrix

Each student completes a matrix with:

Profession Name

Main Duties

Required Education

Current Employment

Future Outlook

Median Annual Wage

5. Submission

  • Students submit their career summary paragraph and completed matrix.

  • Sources must be cited (BLS and any others used).

6. Presentation (Optional)

  • Volunteers present findings to the class.

  • Students explain why the profession appeals to them.

Assessment Criteria

  • Accuracy of Information: Correct use of BLS data.

  • Completeness: Matrix fully filled out.

  • Quality of Writing: Clear, organized, grammatically correct paragraph.

  • Analytical Thinking: Reflection on how research may guide career decisions.

Extension (Optional)

  • Compare two professions (one student’s choice and one “backup career”).

  • Discuss how differences in education, pay, and outlook might influence decisions.


 
 
 

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