#592. Social Studies Scavenger Hunt

Social Studies, level: all
Posted Fri Apr 3 21:27:08 PDT 2009 by Tim (Tim).
Secret Code Math Worksheets
New York
Materials Required: question sheet, 12 facts typed on computer paper, tape, pencils
Activity Time: About 30 minutes or so
Concepts Taught: Works with Social Studies Facts

Scavenger hunts can be great fun, and you can tie them into almost any science or social studies curriculum content.

Step 1: Find 12 facts that go along with whatever you're teaching. Type the facts on the computer and print them out. Each fact should take up one, full page.

(example: Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States.)

Step 2: Make up a question page with 12 questions on it. The answer to the questions should match the 12 facts.

(example: Who was the 16th president of the United States?)

Step 3: "Hide" your facts around the room. Tape them in places where your students can find them.

(examples: Attach a fact to the computer monitor. Tape another one to the back of the classroom door. Stick another one on the bookshelf.)

Step 4: Give your students the question sheet. They must search the room to find all of the facts, and answer the questions on the sheet.

The kids love searching the room for facts, and it's a great way to help them "discover" knowledge.

Management tips:

1. Be sure the kids don't already know the facts. Otherwise, they won't search...they'll just fill in the sheet.

2. You may want to make rules about talking and noise level. I typically make it a "silent scavenger hunt."

3. Sometimes I let the kids work with a partner.

4. Be creative when hiding facts. They should be in plain sight, but don't be afraid to make 'em search around a little bit. The smaller the fact sheets, the tougher the game will be.