Math Career Webquest

Introduction

You are a high school Junior who LOVES Math!  In order to decide where you would like to go to college, you first need to research different careers that involve math and then decide upon a major of study at the college of your choice. 

Task

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!  PLAGIARISM IS A SERIOUS OFFENSE.  IT WILL RESULT IN A ZERO FOR THE PROJECT AS WELL AS A SUSPENSION.

In this webquest, your task is to research a career that you are interested in pursuing in the future, including the importance of Math in this career.  You will then write a paper about what you found as well as prepare a presentation about the career for the class.

Your paper and presentation should answer the following questions:1) Summarize your career.  What does someone with your career do every day?  2) How is Math used in your career?3) What is the beginning and average salary range for your career?4) What college and high school math classes are needed for your career?5) What college degrees or other training are necessary for your career?6) What are some benefits or drawbacks (if any) to your career?Your paper and presentation must meet the following requirements.
  • Your paper should answer all of the questions above IN PARAGRAPH FORM.  Do not just create a list of questions and answers.
  • Your paper must be typed, 12 point font, double spaced, 1 inch margins on all sides.  
  • Your presentation will consist of you getting up in front of the class and telling us about your career. Make sure to address your answers to all of the questions asked above.  Your presentation should not be more than 5 minutes.  You will be timed and asked to stop at the 5 minute mark.
  • A well designed poster of your career IS REQUIRED!  This will be a part of your overall grade
  • Any other presentation materials (powerpoint, handouts, dressing up like your profession, etc) are optional, but are encouraged for EXTRA CREDIT.
  • You will sign up for a presentation time slot at the beginning of the project.  Your presentation must be done at this time. NO EXCUSES.
  • During student presentations, you as an audience member are required to pay attention and ask questions.  You will have a note taking worksheet to complete while others are presenting.  This is part of your overall project grade.


Due Dates:
  • Wednesday, April 2th - Sign up for presentation time and career choice
  •  ALL Papers due Monday, April 13th!!!
  • Presentations will be done the week of April 13th
Process

Go through all of these steps one at a time to gather all of the information that you need for your paper and your presentation.  Use the links to gather information.  You are not limited to using only these resources.  Feel free to explore for other resources as well.

1) What does someone with your career do on a daily basis?Research careers that you are interested in as well as careers involving Math:BLS Career Information --> http://www.bls.gov/k12/index.htmWeUseMath Careers -->javascript:nicTemp();Kids.gov Math Careers --> http://www.kids.gov/6_8/6_8_math_careers.shtml
2) How is Math used in your career?XPMath Math They Use --> http://www.xpmath.com/careers/math_jobs.php
3) What is the beginning and average salary range for your career?Salary.com --> http://www.salary.com/
4) What college and high school math classes are needed for your career?
5) What college degrees or other training are necessary for your career?U of I - Programs of Study --> http://provost.illinois.edu/ProgramsOfStudy/2011/fall/programs/undergrad/majors.html
6) What are some benefits or drawbacks (if any) to your career?Throughout your research, note any benefits or drawbacks to your career and speak to those in this part of your paper and presentation.
Evaluation
Evaluation Rubric
  Beginning (2 point) Developing (3 points) Very Good (4 points) Expamplary (5 points) Score
Written Paper - Content (worth 2x the points) The content of the paper does not meet the requirements set forth by the project One or more of the questions were unanswered or incomplete One of the questions was unanswered, or the questions were not answered in full. All 6 questions are answered in full in the written paper. 10
Written Paper - Grammar and Spelling Multiple spelling and grammatical errors Some spelling and grammatical errors Few spelling and grammatical errors No spelling and grammatical errors 5
Oral Presentation Monotone; speaker seemed uninterested in material Little eye contact; fast speaking rate, little expression, mumbling Clear articulation of ideas, but apparently lacks confidence with material Exceptional articulation of ideas 5
Poster No Poster. Poster lacks many of the following areas: Creativity; Easy to Read; Provides information about the career Poster lacks one of the following areas: Creativity; Easy to Read; Provides information about the career Poster is extremely creative, easy to read, and provides plenty of information about the career. 5
Conclusion

Amazing Job!  You just took your first steps into the Real World!  Learning about careers and reflecting upon your own interests is the first step in choosing a calling in life.  As you move into High School, keep your goals in mind as you continue through your academic career.