K20’s Response to COVID-19
K20’s Response to COVID-19
Safe Learning with Free Resources
Fellow Educators and Parents,
The K20 Center and the University of Oklahoma, like most institutions around the country, are transitioning to new approaches for communicating, working, and learning. We’re making efforts to keep our students and their families—as well as our own—safe during the spread of the coronavirus.
The University of Oklahoma has transitioned to online courses for the remainder of the semester, and the K20 Center has adopted a center-wide telecommuting policy. K20 staff members are actively communicating with our partner schools and stakeholders to discover creative ways to continue, and even grow, our support for Oklahoma’s schools and students. We are rapidly transitioning to safe and effective measures that allow us to work with each other and extend our outreach to schools. Scheduled face-to-face services will be rescheduled or converted to online formats if possible. We want you to know that continuing to serve you is a top priority, and our commitment to supporting education has never been stronger.
Understanding and communication are more important than ever as we navigate this rapidly changing landscape. We’re all in this together, and we want to hear from you. Whether it’s sharing your ideas, your needs, or your concerns, we are listening—as peers, collaborators, and professionals with a common goal of helping Oklahoma students, their families, and the educators who serve them. We encourage you to reach out to us!
As we evolve our practices, we also want to remind you of the many online resources that the K20 Center has available right now to help you during this challenging time. Fortunately, we have been focused for many years on creating web-based materials—digital games, lessons, instructional strategies, and more—that are available at no cost to users. With a focus on flexible, technology-oriented learning, these resources are especially valuable right now. You’ll find a list with links to many of these tools below.
In the meantime, know that, although these unforeseen circumstances have altered all of our lives, the K20 Center and its mission to cultivate a collaborative network engaged in outreach and research remains unchanged and steadfast. Together, we will endure.
In education,
Leslie Williams, Ph.D.
Director
K20 Center for Educational and Community Renewal
University of Oklahoma
K20 Online Resources
K20 LEARN
| Explore K20’s online repository for a variety of education resources designed to support authentic, student-centered learning, including: |
Lessons
|
| Optimized Lessons for Distance Learning
Are you looking for a way to engage your students in an online or distance learning environment? The lessons below have been optimized with strategies in mind to blend your teaching with easy-to-use applications like Google Docs, VoiceThread, and Padlet. |
Lesson Title
Grade
Description
Going Viral
Pre-Algebra to Algebra
This lesson focuses on teaching students how to solve equations using student-friendly language. Students try to solve viral math posts. Then, they learn the "Do/Undo" method, practice with sample problems, and evaluate how viral math posts can be written and solved.
Walking the Line: The Math Spectrum
6th to 12th
Students explore math concepts taught in past years and analyze their math knowledge to assess their relationship with mathematics. By allowing students to understand their emotional relationship with mathematics, set goals, and identify barriers, the lesson fosters a growth mindset moving forward.
Oodles of Math Doodles: Droodles
6th to 12th
In this lesson, students engage in three different learning explorations around Droodles to create an experience that promotes problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and mathematical justification. Students extend their learning by creating their own explorations for peers to solve.
Memes > GIFs
7th to 9th
This lesson focuses on the relationship between a set of numbers and the constraints of inequalities. Students set out to find possible solutions for one-variable inequalities. They write, graph, and identify solutions of inequalities, then connect them back to real-world scenarios.
Airplanes and Airstrips, Part 1
7th to 10th
This lesson addresses writing linear equations in slope-intercept form when given a graph. Students use their knowledge of slope and y-intercept to analyze linear graphs, comparing elements of a graph to flying and landing an airplane, and represent what they see graphically in an equation.
Getting Real with Rationals
7th to 8th
This lesson introduces identifying, classifying, and comparing rational and irrational numbers. Students label and describe groups of numbers, as well as add new numbers into their appropriate groups. Then, students predict whether statements are true or not based on their understanding. This lesson is intended to begin a unit over rational numbers, or it can be used as a review.
Life on the Campaign Trail
Algebra
This lesson teaches students about solving systems of linear equations by focusing on variables that play a role in political campaign management. Students experience the connection between algebra and careers through a virtual “Career Zoom” interview with a campaign manager, then create their own campaign plan for their own candidacy or a partner's.
Composite Figures in Architecture
7th
This lesson focuses on solving for perimeter and area of composite figures. Students begin by constructing unusual shapes with pattern blocks, then estimate the area of those shapes to explore area and perimeter. Next, students learn about real-life application of similar math by watching a video about life as an architect. Students then step into the role of an architect, creating the floor plans of their dream homes before calculating the area and perimeter of their peers' floor plans.
Soccer & Statistics
6th to 7th
This lesson gives students a sneak peek inside a professional athletic organization to explore how statisticians use their skills to impact a professional soccer team. Students analyze data related to measures of central tendency and use data to build a fantasy team or make a player trade. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to calculate measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode) for a set of data, create arguments based on measure of central tendency calculations, and describe how math is used in the work of sports professionals.
Lesson Title
Grade
Description
Venom: From Lethal to Lifesaving
8th
Students use the example of snake venom to explore how natural resources can be used to make synthetic products that humans rely on in this lesson on the interdependence of science, engineering, and technology.
Indestructible? Inconceivable!
6th to 8th
Observing a polyurea-coated watermelon dropping from a 148-foot drop as a phenomenon, students develop an understanding of how the coating is formed via a chemical reaction and what properties make the substance so durable.
Bavaria Has Issues...
11th to 12th
In this lesson, students learn about the components of evidence that is used to support hypotheses. Additionally, students address qualitative versus quantitative and primary versus secondary data.
The Circle of Life
6th to 8th
Students explore the flow of energy among living organisms. They do so by constructing a food web consisting of the organisms that inhabit a salt marsh.
Do Placebos Kill Minotaurs?
11th to 12th
In this lesson, students explore the concepts of statistical hypotheses by looking at what a statistical hypothesis is, how they are formed, and methods for testing them.
Feelin' the Phenomena
6th to 8th
This lesson invites students to explore scientific models and simulations to learn about climate and weather phenomena. Students learn from a meteorologist about how those in the field of climatology use math and science in their careers, as well as the details of this job and career path. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to investigate weather conditions related to tornadic activity, use evidence to predict the point in time when a tornado touched down, and compare their personal experiences to a career in meteorology.
Lesson Title
Grade
Description
Slavery in the Constitution
8th to 11th
Students discuss contradictions in the Constitution that protected both freedom and slavery, as well as examine how the Three-Fifths Clause, the Fugitive Slave Clause, the Slave Trade Clause, and the Electoral College Clause protected slavery in the United States.
What is History
8th to 12th
Students create their own definition of history and then compare it to quotes about history and the dictionary definition of history. Students then reexamine their own definition, modify it if needed, and discuss what the dictionary definition left out.
Why is Africa Building a Great Green Wall?
7th
Students will work together to determine the definition of desertification and create a chart to explain the causes and effects of desertification in the sub-Saharan Sahel region. Then, students will learn how Africa is responding to desertification with a project called the Great Green Wall and how growing the Great Green Wall has changed life in the Sahel.
Using the Media to Inform Public Opinion
8th
In this lesson about the use of media to inform public opinion and affect social change, students will view interviews, speeches, and editorials and reflect on their beliefs about the role of journalism in a democratic society.
Manifest Destiny (Middle School)
8th
In this lesson, best facilitated at the beginning of a westward expansion unit, students analyze John Gast's painting "American Progress." Then, they read and analyze primary source documents to construct their own definitions of "Manifest Destiny."
You Want a Revolution, I Want a Revelation
8th
Students, working in groups, use a "paired-text" strategy to analyze letters between Abigail and John Adams and the Hamilton song "The Schuyler Sisters." Students create a third text by creating a hypothetical conversation between Abigail Adams and Angelica Schuyler regarding political and social issues facing women in colonial America. To conclude, students think about their third texts within the context of the Declaration of Independence to discuss contradictions between the major ideas in the Declaration and historical and current practices in American society.
Trolleys and Tribulations
11th to 12th
This lesson provides an overview of ethical theory and integrity through discussion, reflection, and game-based learning. Through this lesson, students gain a basic understanding of three common ethical frameworks: deontology, consequentialism, and virtue theory. Additionally, they learn that integrity means acting in accordance with one's own chosen ethical framework.
What's in Your Water?
6th to 7th
In this lesson on the importance of clean water as a natural resource, students begin by observing a polluted water source within a United States community. Next, students explore the significance of the Ganges River, as well as the political and religious issues that impact the ongoing struggle to maintain this important water resource for the people of India. Then, students watch a video interview to learn how clean water issues relate to state and local communities before extending their learning with a writing activity to connect the importance of clean water to their personal lives.
Guns and Ships
8th
In this lesson, students use text analysis strategies to summarize two significant events of the Revolutionary War: the Battle of Saratoga and the French Alliance. Then, working collaboratively, students use their knowledge to annotate the lyrics of the song "Guns and Ships" from the musical Hamilton.
Impacts of Industrializ-ation on Workers
8th
In this lesson about the Industrial Revolution, students analyze primary sources and make inferences about working conditions during the Industrial Revolution. Next, they write a letter protesting the conditions and explain how labor organizations advocate for workers' rights after watching an interview with Oklahoma State AFL-CIO President Jimmy Curry.
Know Your Rights
Blue or Gray?
8th
8th
This lesson asks students to consider which Contitutional rights they think are most important. In doing so, students summarize and apply each of the Bill of Rights to specific scenarios. Then, students explore whether or not "ballot selfies" should be a protected form of freedom of speech.
In this lesson, students analyze the viewpoints and motives of key figures in the Civil War, focusing on marginalized or traditionally underrepresented historical groups. Students examine primary source materials, collaborate with their classmates, and write a Two-Voice Poem.
Lesson Title
Grade
Description
I Can't Stress This Enough
7th to 8th
This lesson challenges students' ideas about stress and its effects on the body. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy stress, evaluate the credibility of health information, and identify healthy behavior for managing stress.
Speak Up!
9th to 12th
Students will watch videos demonstrating four types of speeches, then collaborate to create a brief presentation on one type of their choice. Students will share their presentations and finally, given a rubric, outline a short speech on a topic of their choosing. They will then evaluate their own outlines before evaluating those of their peers.
Are the Odds in Your Favor?
7th to 12th
In this lesson, students explore the odds of winning in games of chance and discover the problems associated with gambling. They participate in a game of dice, read personal stories, and create their own PSAs about the dangers of gambling addiction.
Are You Covered?
7th to 12th
In this lesson, students learn about insurance—including what can be insured, types of coverage, and how much how much is needed to protect those in high-risk situations. Students then join groups to collaboratively study a given type of insurance, creating brocures to present to their classmates.
Brother, Can You Loan Me A Dime?
7th to 12th
In this lesson, students explore various lending institutions and find out what those institutions require to lend money. Then, students investigate and draw conclusions about making minimum payments on credit cards.
Don't Let This Happen to Your Grandma
7th to 12th
In this lesson, students explore the essential elements of identity theft and consumer fraud, then create a PSA based on their research.
How Do My Choices Affect My Future?
7th to 12th
In this lesson, students examine how career choice, postsecondary education, and salary are interrelated through their own research and discussion. For evaluation, students can choose between an creating an essay, a presentation, or a speech. The online game "Mind Your Own Budget" can also be integrated with this lesson to teach students financial literacy.
How Will I Pay for My Car?
7th to 12th
In this lesson, students investigate the cost of a car, types of lending agencies, and additional costs associated with car ownership. Then, students create their own informational digital posters about purchasing a car and peer review their classmates' posters. The online game "Mind Your Own Budget" can also be integrated with this lesson to teach students financial literacy.
To Charge or Not to Charge?
7th to 12th
In this lesson, students discuss their own purchasing habits and the pros and cons of online shopping. By engaging with a variety of real-world scenarios, students learn when to use a debit card versus a credit card, how they might make payments on a credit card, and how to protect their online identities.
It's Not What You Think: Chapter 7 or 13?
7th to 12th
Students learn about various types of debt and bankruptcy, including possible alternatives and how they can occur. Students watch a video and use a graphic organizer to compare different types of debt relief, then engage with a real-world scenario to learn how to prevent overwhelming debt.
The Power of Giving
7th to 12th
In this lesson, students learn more about charitable giving as they identify and research charitable organizations within their own community. Students discuss their beliefs about why people help others and the impact this has upon society. They investigate a charitable organization of their choice, its founding, its current purpose, and its impact upon society, as well as learning to verify a charity's level of outreach and use of donated funds.
Lesson Title
Grade
Description
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
7th to 8th
Students deconstruct, reconstruct, and create their own progressive conditional sentences after examining the conditional mood in the story If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, by Laura Joffe Numeroff.
Slay the Slang
7th to 8th
Students critically analyze informational text that discusses slang used by Generation Z, determine the meaning of slang words, and create their own Gen Z dictionary.
English is Hard
6th to 8th
Students focus on the nuances of phonetics in the English language after reading the book P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever, by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter.
Active and Passive: The Monkey's Paw
7th to 8th
Students recognize, identify, and create an active or passive voice in their writing.
Alienstock
7th to 8th
Students explore, assess, and draw their own conclusions about the validity of various media sources that reference the 2019 "Alienstock" phenomenon.
Speak Up!
9th to 12th
Students will watch videos demonstrating four types of speeches, then collaborate to create a brief presentation on one type of their choice. Students will share their presentations and finally, given a rubric, outline a short speech on a topic of their choosing. They will then evaluate their own outlines before evaluating those of their peers.
A Way with Words
7th to 8th
In this lesson, students learn about the role of a copy editor, explore the writing process in reference to journalism, and determine the importance of grammar and style. Students write and peer-edit news stories, then reflect on how they can improve their writing going forward.
Mob Mentality and The Outsiders
7th to 8th
Students connect an informational text about mob mentality to S. E. Hinton's "The Outsiders." Students analyze the actions of characters from "The Outsiders" and determine whether they character acted independently or as part of a mob mentality. Students make connections to their own lives as middle school students and explore how mob mentality, herd mentality, or "going along with the crowd," might affect their daily decision-making.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, Lend Me Your Emotions
9th to 10th
In this lesson, students explore how the characters in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" use ethos, pathos, and logos to sway the minds of the Roman people.
Multimodal Narrative Writing
8th to 10th
This lesson guides students to compose a multimodal narrative that encourages visual literacy. Students re-think how a personal narrative can look as they answer the questions, "Who am I?" and "What Makes Me, Me?" in a thumbprint-shaped poem.
Nose Like a Cherry
The Monkey's Paw: Be Careful What You Wish For
7th to 8th
7th to 8th
In this lesson, students identify metaphors and similes in text, learn about why these literary devices are important, and write their own similes and metaphors in a paragraph describing someone they admire.
In this lesson, students use the story "The Monkey's Paw" to understand foreshadowing as a literary device. After reading part of the story, students make predictions about the ending. Once they finish reading the story, students compare and contrast their predicted ending and the real ending.
Activities
- Professional development activities for teachers, administrators, and counselors
- Browse by audience, group size, and purpose
- Detailed instructions and materials to support professional training for educators
- Technology-rich, with training in Google Expeditions, Google Suite, and Google Classrooms, as well as simulations and interactive classrooms
Interactive Classrooms in English/Language Arts and Social StudiesThese professional developments focus on exploring multiple technology applications to determine how they can be applicable for use in the English/Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies classrooms. Participants will explore various tech applications, choose at least one to apply to the ELA classroom, and demonstrate its integration with the SAMR model. |
Focused on authentic instruction and implementation of technology, teachers in this PD will participate in a pre-made digital breakout based on their content area, learn how to create a Google Site, and use Google Forms to build their own digital breakout. Then, they will embed the breakout in an appropriate, authentic unit or lesson.
Research suggests that students are more eager to read when using an e-reader or mobile device. This PD focuses on using Kindle e-readers and Google Expeditions to support student reading engagement. Participants learn to use multiple features of a Kindle e-reader and explore a Google Expedition through immersion in a social studies lesson. They will be able to generalize how e-reader features could be applied in future lessons to engage and support students in critical reading activities.
Strategies
- Interactive instructional strategies designed to reinforce authentic learning
- Creative and fun support for engaging students at all grade levels and in all subjects
- Strategies for individuals, small groups, and whole classes
- Browse by purpose, grade, and group size
- Activities of various lengths with tips for scaffolding learners of all levels
Science Resources
- Activities for teaching science concepts grounded in phenomena
- Facilitate 3D learning, instruction, and formative assessment
- Third-grade through high school
- Downloadable resources and tasks
- Browse by grade level
Lunch-and-Learn Webinars
K20’s monthly Lunch and Learn Webinars are a great way to quickly get up to speed on trending educational topics. The live sessions are recorded and archived on our YouTube channel. These short, focused presentations feature K20 educators and staff who guide you on an engaging journey of lunchtime (or anytime) learning.
- Microteaching with Swivl
- Personalized Learning
- Digital Breakouts
- Google Expeditions
- Google Expeditions/VR Resources The lunch and learn highlights many opportunities for using Google Expeditions and 360 videos. However, since students don’t have their own Google Expedition kits at home, encourage them to explore other VR sites like Google Poly.
Game-Based Learning
K20’s GBL team has developed a variety of award-winning, educational, and fun online games that can be accessed and played at no cost. Request a Game Portal account and sign up to discover terrific ways to keep kids entertained and learning.
- Totally web-based games—no cost to sign up or play
- Educational and standards-aligned
- 12 software titles, with topics including college and career choices, data interpretation, goal setting/time management, statistics, financial literacy, business ethics, algebra, calculus, and biology.
- Trackable student progress and engagement.
Oklahoma’s Promise
Oklahoma’s Promise is a state-supported college tuition scholarship for families earning $55,000 or less per year. Students must apply in the 8th, 9th or 10th grades. To keep the scholarship, students must meet academic and conduct requirements in high school. The scholarship will pay tuition for:
- Oklahoma public two-year colleges
- Oklahoma public four-year universities
- Oklahoma public technology centers (Career Tech centers) for certain programs that meet the requirements to be eligible for federal student financial aid offered at Oklahoma public technology centers.
- A portion of tuition at Oklahoma accredited private colleges or universities.
Oklahoma’s Promise Crossword Puzzle—An interactive activity that promotes open communication and family engagement between parents and their students. The crossword puzzle highlights important facts that every parent/guardian would need to know about enrollment in the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship.
I Used to Think … But Now I Know strategy card—At the conclusion of the Oklahoma’s Promise Crossword Activity both parent/guardian and student can collaborate and discuss: 1) what they “used to think” about college and/or Oklahoma’s Promise scholarships before completing the crossword activity and then, 2) both parent/guardian and student will share with one another one thing that they “now know” about college and/or Oklahoma’s Promise scholarships based on the Oklahoma’s Promise Crossword Activity.
ICAP Overview
ICAP is an acronym that stands for “Individualized Career Academic Plan.” The ICAP is a combination of processes and activities that guide students as they explore career, academic, and postsecondary opportunities. The insight gained from these activities will result in a personalized roadmap that students can use when navigating college or career plans after high school.
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education offers the OK Career Guide, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers OK College Start for Oklahoma schools to build their ICAP portfolios for each student. These websites include information on career planning, high school planning, college planning, and financial aid. They are great one-stop resources for everything you may want to know about planning for higher education and a career. Parents should talk to their child to learn which system they are using. Then, parents are encouraged to create an account in that system as well, to follow their child’s progress and engage in the process.
Career Exploration
Virtual Career Expos, organized by the K20 Center’s GEAR UP programs, are a great way for students to explore a variety of interesting careers and learn about their career options. In each session, one of our professional volunteers shares their career story and answers students’ questions. These career talks can help inspire students who are eager to know more about a particular career. Research shows that teenagers engaging in multiple opportunities to speak with professionals through career talks statistically earn higher salaries in adulthood (Kashefpakdel & Percy, 2017).
For Parents & Families
We recognize that you, as a parent or guardian, want nothing but the best for your children—but maybe you’re not always sure how to support them in their career or college choices. Over the next few years, you will become the driving force that influences your child’s college and career choices. The time you spend with your child, your own college and career choices, and your home environment will all influence the decisions your child will make. So, where do you go from here? Below you can find some questions and strategies that will support you in beginning the conversations you should have with your child.
Ask your child three questions after watching a Career Expo video:
- What is an average salary for someone in this career?
- What could you study, or what classes could you take, to help you prepare for a career in this field?
- What are other similar careers could you explore?
Study Guide
You may not know what you want to do when you grow up, and that’s okay! No one expects you to have your future mapped out yet. The K20 Center’s Mentoring Team has created activities to help you explore different career options and opportunities. After you finish the activities, you will have a better understanding of what kind of career might interest you. This guide will walk you through the activities in more detail. After you finish each activity, discuss any questions you have with a parent or guardian. They can help you explore careers beyond the information provided.
Parent Guide
The K20 Mentoring Team has created a career exploration-based guide to help students learn about career options and opportunities through a variety of online and at-home activities. You can engage in the activities detailed by this guide alongside your learner to build their knowledge, understanding, and interest in a number of future career paths.
Operation: Pre-Med
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a student of medicine? It may seem difficult to think about something as far in the future as medical school or even a “pre-med” program (the classes you take in college that prepare you for medical school). This activity will help you learn more about pre-med programs and how to set yourself up for success on your pre-med journey, including what high school classes to focus on, how you can get admitted to a pre-med program, what to expect in pre-med classes, as well as other related postsecondary (that is, beyond high school) opportunities that exist!
Art for All
Do you enjoy painting, chalking, drawing cartoons, or creating digital artwork but are unsure what careers these interests can lead to? If so, you’re not alone! It’s a common myth that art is only a hobby. In reality, there are many career opportunities that people with creative skills can pursue, including painting, graphic art, set design, animation, and illustration. This activity will allow you to explore artwork from different cultures, recreate a piece of artwork, and hear from an Oklahoma-based graphic artist.
Chemical Engineering
Careers in the STEM field ask workers to provide research and services related to science, technology, engineering, and math. Workers in this field gather and examine information, solve problems, and apply their findings. One of the many careers that falls into the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster that might catch your attention is chemical engineering. This activity will allow you to explore different parts of chemical engineering from building items to mixing solutions to solving problems.
Scratch That, Let’s Code
The following activities guide you through writing your first code. As you work through the activities, remember that coding is about trying different solutions and making changes until the code works the way you want. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time—computer programmers rarely do. Just keep trying until you find a solution that works!
Career Expo BINGO
Do you remember singing “And Bingo Was His Name-O!” when you were younger? This song was how you learned how to spell the farmer’s dog’s name. In this activity we will be using the BINGO game to learn about new career options! Learning about various careers now will help you decide which one interests you. Even if you already know what you want to be when you grow up, learning about career paths will help you plan your future.
You can use additional K20 Strategies to use with Career Expo Videos:
- Before the video begins, have your child draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. On the left, have them list the things they already know about this career. After the video is over, have your child write down the new things that they learned about this career.
- Before the video begins, have your child make a guess about the learning they are about to engage in. After the video, have your child reflect on and think about what they watched. Have your child compare and contrast what they guessed at the beginning with what they learned by the end.
- After the video ends, have your child think about the most important piece of information they learned. If you or your child know others who watched the same video, have them talk about what each of them believes is the most important piece of information and why it was important to them.
- Before the video begins, have your child draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. As they watch the video, write a list of things that you notice about the career on the left side of the paper. Once the video is over, have your child make a new list of things that they still wonder about the career. This list of “I wonders” can help guide your child in a direction to learn more about the career through online searches, group discussions, or additional career videos in the same cluster.
- Before the video begins, have your child draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. As they watch the video, write a list of things that you notice about the career on the left side of the paper. Once the video is over, have your child make a new list of things that they still wonder about the career. This list of “I wonders” can help guide your child in a direction to learn more about the career through online searches, group discussions, or additional career videos in the same cluster.
- After your child has viewed the Career Expo video, ask them to choose a color, symbol, and image that they believe represents that career and their learning experience with the video. When your child has finished, ask them to explain their color, symbol, and image to a family member or friend.
Career Cluster Activity
The K20 Center’s GEAR UP program wants to help you explore career options! This Career Cluster activity will help you think about your skills, personality, and interests to identify which clusters might be a good fit for you. While your interests will likely change over the years, the Career Cluster Survey is a great place to begin your exploration, but the journey won’t end there. You can use what you learn in this survey and apply it to other career activities and exploration.
Student Experiences for College & Career Readiness
Career & College Terms:
Before you begin your virtual tour, it may be helpful to gain an understanding of college terms. Check your understanding of different types of colleges, universities, and degrees, using the matching activity below. This activity will help you better understand your options after high school.
Virtual Campus Tours
Visiting college campuses can help you become college-ready, not only by gaining a better understanding of what academic skills are needed but also by experiencing what a college campus looks and feels like. Not all college campuses are the same, so it is important to visit a variety of campuses to help you find the best place for you.
On the Virtual Campus Tours spreadsheet linked below, you will find a list of colleges and links to each college’s virtual campus tour. These virtual campus tour videos will help you explore the college without having to travel to the campus!
Scavenger Hunts
If you would like a more interactive Virtual Campus Tour experience, check out these Scavenger Hunts. The first can be used for your virtual visit to any campus, and the rest are for specific colleges/universities around Oklahoma. Keep checking back as more become available!
If you are a K20 GEAR UP school please contact your Student Experiences Coordinator for more details on how to capture attendance and complete the evaluation.
- General Scavenger Hunt
- Cameron University Scavenger Hunt
- Carl Albert State College Scavenger Hunt
- East Central University Scavenger Hunt
- Langston University Scavenger Hunt
- Murray State College Scavenger Hunt
- Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Scavenger Hunt
- Oklahoma State University (OSU) Scavenger Hunt
- Redlands Community College Scavenger Hunt
- Rose State College Scavenger Hunt
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University Scavenger Hunt
- University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Scavenger Hunt
- University of Oklahoma (OU) Scavenger Hunt
- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Scavenger Hunt
7th Grade Activity: What Jobs Need What Education?
This activity for 7th grade students will provide an opportunity to explore the three types of postsecondary education and a variety of careers.
8th Grade Activity
This activity for 8th grade students will provide an opportunity to reflect on the common obstacles that might keep you from pursuing postsecondary education, explore the solutions that can help you overcome those obstacles, and discover various careers that require and benefit from postsecondary education.
9th Grade Activity
Guidance for Parents/Guardians/Family Members
Visiting college campuses can increase awareness of college culture, promote career exploration, and inform financial planning.
After your student virtually visits different colleges, ask them which was their favorite. Together, visit BigFuture to learn more about their top college and answer the questions below:
- How many students attend this college?
- What are the most popular majors?
- How many students live on-campus versus off-campus?
- What types of sports or activities are offered?
- What is the average annual total cost to attend this college for an in-state student living at home?
