Sparks Fly

[Home] [PBS VideoDatabase] [Social Studies] [TSU] [UVA] [Back]

What is a Knowledge Hunt?

When it's time to develop some solid factual knowledge on a subject, teachers and students can create Treasure Hunts or Scavenger Hunts. The basic strategy here is to find web pages that hold information (text, graphic, sound, video, etc.) that is essential to understanding the given topic. The purpose of a scavenger hunt is to have students collect information on a particular topic, to teach students to use search engines properly, and to introduce students to the vast array of resources that are available on the web.  Students will be asked to visit the links to gather the information through questions you pose. These questions will force the student to explore the pages to get the answers. So the hunt is created by the teacher by gathering 10 -15 links (and remember, these are the exact pages you want the students to go to for information). After you've gathered these links, you then pose at least one key question for each web resource you've linked to. Well designed hunts hold questions that define the scope or parameters of the topic. When a “Big Question” is included student can synthesize the information to form a broader understanding of the major concept that is the focus of the hunt. Students will already be familiar with the Internet and have accomplished several Guided Tour Activities.  Scavenger Hunts require students to use a search engine appropriately.  Formulate key words for their search.  Find the information and answer the question posed by the teacher.  They use less structure and allow students to hunt for information on the web.

Scavenger Hunts are the next step in learning how to use the Internet.  Students are not "surfing" for information, they are searching for information with a purpose and plan.  This activity is also referred to as a Treasure Hunt.

For more information on Scavenger Hunts and to look at some samples

http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/Scavenger.html

Example The Treasures of China