Scavenger+Hunt

=Challenge 1: Scavenger Hunt=

Purpose:
To explore a natural area in order to practice skills of observation and data collection.

Instructions:
Work with your Buddies to try to find as many items as you can from the following list. For each item, you should describe what it is or what you observed with as much evidence as possible. If you collect an item, be sure that it can be returned to its natural location. Please don’t collect any living things – these should remain in the wild. Students will have 30 minutes for the scavenger hunt.

Materials:
Paper and crayons for crayon rubbings (enough for three leaves) Clipboard and pencil (one per group) Digital camera - optional

Student Guides:
• Keep your group together and in the park at all times • Be Safe! Don’t let your Buddies play rough or be unsafe. • Help clarify instructions without giving away answers. • Help teach your Buddies to enjoy nature without harming it. • Return to the meeting location at the agreed upon time.

Lesson Introduction:
What does it mean to be a good observer?

Group Discussion and Follow Up:
1. In your group, share the list of items with each other. Did they successfully find something for each item? 2. Ask your Buddies if they saw something today that they have never seen before? 3. Ask your Buddies if they think they are good observers. How do they know? 4. Ask your Buddies for examples of other places or times when being a good observer is important.

Resources
HS Science Buddies: For Teachers:
 * Click here for the Scavenger_Hunt_List!
 * Click here for Scavenger Hunt Details!
 * Click here for Scavenger Hunt Preparations!
 * Click here for McCaig Website!
 * Map of McCaig[|Trail_Map_6_wide.jpg]

PA State Standards in Science and Technology – Grade 4
3.1.4 C. Illustrate patterns that occur and reoccur in nature 3.2.4 E. Recognize change in natural and physical systems 3.2.4 B. Describe objects in the world using the five senses 3.3.4 A. Know the similarities and differences between living things 3.3.4 D. Identify changes in living things over time