Children enjoy going to museums, but often grow overwhelmed quickly with the abundance of items to observe. Children will be able to focus and enjoy the sites at the museum more if they are trying to win a museum scavenger hunt. Not only will the children have a reason to look at the targeted displays carefully, but they will also likely learn a thing or two.
Instructions
1. Visit the museum. Decide on the displays that the students will need to find to complete the scavenger hunt. The targeted displays should be spread out throughout the museum. Take notes on the displays. Make sure the displays are easily observable by the children.
2. Obtain a map of the museum. It will be helpful when deciding which displays to include in the museum scavenger hunt.
3. Write cryptic clues about targeted displays. Some clues should be based on the visual display; other clues should be based on the text related to the display. Throw in a few questions not related to any specific display, such as, "What does the sign say on the door to the left of the exit sign?"
4. Test the scavenger hunt by going to the museum and answering the clues. Invite a friend to test the hunt. Make sure the wording is age appropriate.
5. Divide the scavenger hunters into groups of three. Make sure to have a chaperon for each group since each team will be solving the clues at different rates.
6. Determine the length of time the scavenger hunt will last. Older children will be able to hunt longer than the younger children.
7. Set the date for the scavenger hunt, mark it on the calendar and invite all chaperons and hunters to the hunt.
