Creating a WWW Treasure Hunt

Course Information

Title: Creating an Engaging and Effective Treasure Hunt

Subject: Technology Integration

Level: Teachers

Author: Jordy Whitmer

Abstract: The activities in this workshop are designed to help educators create Treasure Hunts that integrate core curriculum content and technology. During the activities, participants will: learn about the typical structure of Treasure Hunts; consider traits of effective Treasure Hunts; explore and evaluate Treasure Hunts created by other educators; design an original Treasure Hunt; and upload their Treasure Hunt to Filamentality.

Invitation: Imagine a teaching method that combines the internet, content "reading," and high student motivation. Treasure Hunts do just that. But, how do you go about finding quality Treasure Hunts that fit your curriculum? Or, better yet, how can you create your own effective and engaging Treasure Hunt?

Situations: This project should take about five sessions to complete. Some sessions are more time consuming than others but the overall project should take less than 6 hours, not including homework.

Interactions: This project is best completed by a study group of colleagues, though it can be done solo. If completed in a study group, one person should take the role of facilitator.

Tools:

• Computer
• Internet access
• Web browser
• Quicktime
• Email application
• Helpful - Word Processor

Objectives:

Participants will:

• Understand what makes for an effective and engaging Treasure Hunt
• Evaluate existing Treasure Hunts
• Create Treasure Hunts that include the essential elements of introduction, resources, questions, and big question
• Post a Treasure Hunt on Filamentality's web site

Tasks:

Part 1: What is a Treasure Hunt?

• "Read" presentation on Treasure Hunts
• Complete a Treasure Hunt about Treasure Hunts
• List traits of an effective Treasure Hunt

Part 2: Evaluating Existing Treasure Hunts

• Score a pre-selected Treasure Hunt using a rubric
• Examine existing Treasure Hunts at Filamentality
• Brainstorm topics for your Treasure Hunt

Part 3: Designing a Treasure Hunt

• Determining content objectives
• Finding web sites
• Writing questions
• Creating a Big Question

Part 4: Providing Peer Feedback and Posting a Treasure Hunt

• Provide feedback to partner
• Revise Treasure Hunt as needed
• Post a Treasure Hunt at the Filamentality web site

Part 5: Field Testing a Treasure Hunt

• Design and implement a field test for your Treasure Hunt
• Revise Treasure Hunt as necessary
• Update posted Treasure Hunt as necessary

Assessment: Successful completion of this module should result in a completed Treasure Hunt that meets the standards defined in the Treasure Hunt rubric. Initial assessment will come from colleagues and students. In addition to the completed activity, your grade will be based on your participation with your partner, postings to the bulletin board, and your field tests.