Scavenger Hunt {Review Game}

I like LOVE to play games in my math class. The more interactive, the better. It's hard being a teacher and trying to compete for my student's attention when they've got things like Nintendo, facebook, sports, Playstation, etc. on their minds. So at the end of each chapter, we have a review right before their test. One of my favorite reviews is the "Scavenger Hunt."

Here's what you'll need:

• Index Cards to write the "clues" on
• 15 - 20 math questions covering concepts you want your kids to know for their test.
• A "Small, but fabulous prize" for everyone that finishes before class ends :)
• A class period (45 - 60 mins) to play

Instructions for Play:

• Number each card in the upper left-hand corner.
• Write a math problem on the first card.
• Take another card out of numerical sequence and write the answer in the upper right hand corner.
• Write another math problem on the card you just wrote the answer to the first problem on.
• Repeat until all cards are filled up.
• RECORD your numerical sequence (this way you can help students who have made a "wrong turn" along their hunting)
• Place cards in random places around the room to encourage students to "hunt"

What you will have is a numerical sequence that allows the kids to HAVE to work the problems out to find the next card. I always tell them "Don't think you can cheat because you are on card #2. The answer is NOT on card 2, or 3 or 1!"

• Pair up students in groups of 2 - 4 (depending on class size). Have each group start at least 3 cards apart from each other.
• No matter where students start, they will all be able to complete each card since the system allows for a "loop"
• Students will know when they have completed all the cards when they arrive back at the card they started with.
• I give the team that finishes first with the correct sequence an added bonus of 5 test points on their test average. We don't play this game often, but they LOVE it!

Here's some photos of my 6th graders during Friday's "Hunt":