Overview

Estimated Time: 1 Class Period (50 Minutes)
Unit: College In Focus
Lesson: 2.4
Theme: Virtual College Visit

Students explore college campuses through virtual tours while learning how campus visits can help them make informed postsecondary decisions. Using a virtual college visit and a structured scavenger hunt, students investigate campus features, academic programs, student life, and other characteristics of a college or university. They also develop thoughtful questions to prepare for future in-person college visits and reflect on how campus experiences influence college choice.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Evaluate a college or university through a virtual campus visit.
Identify key features of a college campus, including academic programs, facilities, and student life.
Generate meaningful questions to ask during a college visit.
Reflect on how campus visits support informed college and career decision-making.

Indiana Standards

PCC-1.3 – Explore personal interests, strengths, skills, and values that influence career choices.

PCC-3.1 – Explore a variety of postsecondary education and training opportunities.

PCC-3.2 – Identify factors to consider when selecting a postsecondary institution or training program.

PCC-3.3 – Compare postsecondary education and training options based on career goals.

PCC-4.1 – Use career information and resources to support career exploration and planning.

PCC-4.2 – Develop and maintain a personal career portfolio.

Before You Begin:

Student Materials

Device with internet access
"Virtual Visit Scavenger Hunt" sheet
Writing materials (pen or pencil)

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the "Virtual Visit Scavenger Hunt" sheet.
Prepare students for the introductory activity by having them brainstorm questions they would ask during a college visit.
Verify student access to the Project Leadership Virtual College Tours website.
Review the virtual tour website and familiarize yourself with several college tours so you can assist students as they navigate the activity.
Prepare to compile students' college visit questions for use during a future in-person college visit.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (College Visit Questions Activity)
Mini Lesson: The Purpose of College Visits
Virtual College Tour and Scavenger Hunt
Researching Additional Campus Information
Reflection and Class Discussion

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

"Virtual Visit Scavenger Hunt" sheet
List of meaningful questions for an in-person college visit
Reflection on a virtual college visit

These artifacts become part of each student's Portfolio in Unit 3.

External Resources

Project Leadership – Virtual College Tours
Official college and university websites

Teacher Tips

Encourage students to approach the virtual visit as if they were walking across campus in person. Remind them to look beyond academic programs by exploring residence halls, student organizations, recreational facilities, dining options, campus traditions, and other aspects of student life. As students complete the scavenger hunt, emphasize that researching a college involves asking thoughtful questions and gathering information that will help determine whether a school is a good personal and academic fit.

Portfolio Connection

At the conclusion of this lesson, students should have:

Completed the "Virtual Visit Scavenger Hunt" sheet.
Participated in a virtual college tour.
Generated meaningful questions for a future in-person college visit.
Reflected on how a campus visit can support informed college and career decisions.

Lesson 2.4 - Virtual College Visit Snapshot & Resources