Scavenger Hunts as a Learning Tool

We just got back from a family reunion in Virgina. Everyone had a great time, inspite of the 100+ degree temperatures. One of the activities that was planned for the reunion was a scavenger hunt that took us to various sites that were important to the town and battle of Manassas. My family, along with a cousin, were the only ones to complete the entire hunt which involved spending tremendous amounts of time in the hot sun taking pictures and finding letters. I’m also fairly certain we were the only ones who even attempted it.

The kids really enjoyed this and it got me thinking about the usefulness of scavenger hunts in learning. We’ve all visited historic sites and read signs but this steps it up and really engages the kids beyond just readng signs. Scavenger hunts could be used to collect leaves, bugs, at historic sights, in cities, basically anywhere. We’re avid geocachers so hunting around in strange places for things is not new to my kids but scavenger hunts are.

Have you used scavenge hunts in your education program? If so I’d love to hear about it.