Future Quest Island-Explorations

Career Exploration in Elementary School

Grades: 3-5 | Topics: Career Exploration

Future Quest Island-Explorations is a dynamic, game-based educational tool designed to prepare elementary school students for college and career readiness. Its primary objective is to empower youth by enhancing their engagement and facilitating smooth transitions, thus laying the foundation for lifelong success.

Throughout their expedition across the islands, students are exposed to a diverse array of professions, broadening their horizons for future career possibilities. However, this exploration is not solely about external opportunities; it is intrinsically linked to self-awareness and personal development. By constructing their personal trees, students embark on a journey of self-discovery, connecting their inherent skills and interests with potential career paths.

Developed by the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston, Future Quest Island-Explorations is deliberately designed to be inclusive of all young learners, regardless of ability or disability.

Grounded in the evidence-based "Possible Selves" framework, Future Quest Island-Explorations uses gaming strategies to motivate and support students in various areas:

  • Acquisition of 21st-century technological skills

  • Development of personalized academic and career portfolios (PCAP)

  • Improved self-concept

  • Development of social and emotional competence

  • Cultivation of early college and career awareness

As students traverse the island, they uncover facets of their own identities while building their personal trees, showcasing their skills, interests, personal goals, learning objectives, career aspirations, and more.

The digital teaching toolkit includes a comprehensive facilitator guide, teaching units complete with lesson plans and activities, classroom administration and management tools, as well as a progress monitoring system.

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To learn more about Future Quest Island Explorations, including see a demo and discussing pricing, please fill out the form

Illustration of a person with pink hair holding a paintbrush, next to text advertising career exploration activities with over 50 STEAMS careers and 25 career videos.
Illustration of a tree diagram representing personal growth, featuring sections labeled "Friend," "Learner," "Person," and "Worker" with icons. Additional elements include "Fears," "Helps Me Grow," and "Roots." Options to print or get a certificate are shown. The background is a colorful, abstract landscape with clouds.
Screenshot of an online character portfolio interface depicting a cartoon character with colorful hair and glasses. The page includes a section to enter a name, "Sean Ryan," and options to learn more about various aspects like "Who I Am," "My Goals," and more, alongside a cartoon character guide in the corner.
Screenshot of a digital teacher toolkit interface showing various educational units. There are six units listed: Introduction, Roots, Person, Friend, Learner, Worker, and Dream Big, each marked as complete based on unit-specific criteria. Next to each unit title is a "Rate this Unit" button. The top menu includes options like Home, My Classes, Teaching Guide and Units, and Explore FQI-E. The image has a wooden frame.
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