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Professional Grade  Lesson 60 minutes

"ClueQuest: Adventure Maps & Riddles Unveiled!"

Michael H
Collaboration
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage educators in a hands-on, collaborative project that emphasizes the design of a community treasure hunt. This activity aims to deepen their understanding of project-based learning by exploring innovative approaches to highlight the natural and cultural history of local parks. Through this process, participants will enhance their skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing them to implement similar experiential learning projects in their own classrooms.

Learning goals

Participants will collaboratively design a community treasure hunt, enhancing their ability to co-create projects and make shared decisions. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by crafting innovative clues and maps that reflect the natural and cultural history of local parks. Through peer feedback, participants will refine their designs, focusing on clarity and creativity, while engaging in meaningful dialogue and reflection.
Standards
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Competencies
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Participants will collaboratively design a community treasure hunt, complete with a series of riddle-like clues and hand-drawn maps that highlight the unique aspects of local parks. Each group will produce a comprehensive questing guide, detailing the historical and environmental significance of their chosen locations. By the end of the session, participants will have a peer-reviewed treasure hunt ready to implement in their communities, fostering engagement and learning.

Launch

Begin with the "Quest Kickstart" by dividing participants into small groups and sending them on a mini quest around the venue. Provide each group with riddles and hand-drawn maps that introduce the concept of questing and highlight significant aspects of the local environment. This interactive experience will set the stage for collaborative exploration and critical thinking as participants immerse themselves in the project's theme.

Exhibition

Conclude the session with a "Quest Showcase" where each group presents their designed treasure hunt to the entire cohort. Encourage participants to walk through each quest, experiencing the riddles and maps firsthand. Invite local community members or park representatives to join the showcase, offering insights and feedback on how the quests could be implemented in real-world settings. This exhibition not only celebrates the participants' creativity and collaboration but also fosters connections with the broader community.