Lesson Title: Exploring US Geography through an Interactive Adventure

Welcome to an exciting geography adventure! In this lesson plan for high school students, geography students will take part in a fun and interactive scavenger hunt experience. Using easy edtech and collaborative problem-solving, students will embark on a virtual journey across the United States, exploring significant geographical features and their implications on various aspects of life. This engaging activity not only improves high school students' understanding of geography, but also encourages them to think critically and work together as a team. Get ready to discover America in a whole new way!

Grade: 9 - 12

Subject: Geography

Objective:

• Students will identify and describe major geographical features of the United States.
• Students will describe the cultural, political, and economic dynamics that shape American society.
• Students will utilize digital tools to engage with geographical content.
• Students will collaborate in teams to solve geographical challenges.

Materials:

• Smartphones or tablets with the Goosechase app installed
• Access to the internet
• Maps of the United States (digital or paper)
• List of scavenger hunt clues (prepared in advance)

Preparation:

• Create a Goosechase Experience 
  • Create Missions that reflect the skills you have taught previously.
  • Mission could include:
    • Finding information
    • Performing tasks that relate to the geographical features 
    • Encourage exploration of geographical terms or landmarks 
    • Identify various facts about the different states.

• Run your Experience during one class period or for multiple periods.
• Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on the proficiency levels of your students to keep the activity inclusive and engaging for everyone.
• Prepare hints or resources that might help students solve the Missions if needed.
• Divide students into teams and assign each team a mobile device with the app, or have students complete the Goosechase Experience individually.
• App Set-Up 
  • Dedicate time to ensuring all students have the Goosechase app downloaded and joined to the Experience to avoid any tech issues.
  • Ensure all students understand how to use the app safely and responsibly.

Lesson Plan Outline:

• Introduction 
  • Briefly discuss the topics you have already taught. Highlight the importance of geography, the use of maps, major U.S. geographical features and how these features have influenced historical events and cultural developments. 
  • Introduce the Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
  • Go over the rules and expectations for the Experience, including safety guidelines and respect for school property.
  • Demonstrate how to use the Goosechase app.
• Goosechase Scavenger Hunt 
  • Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of evidence and analysis in their responses.
  • Monitor team progress and provide assistance as necessary.
  • If working in teams, encourage them to strategize and collaborate to solve the Missions.
• Debrief and Reflection 
  • Teams present their findings and explain how they solved the clues.
  • Discuss any interesting facts or challenges encountered during the hunt.
  • Have students reflect on what they learned about U.S. geography.
  • Discuss how teamwork contributed to their learning experience.

Optional Post-Experience Activities:

• Homework Assignment
  • Students can create a digital or physical map highlighting the geographical features they learned about.
• Presentations
  • Students research how geography influences current events in different U.S. regions.
• Written Reflection
  • Ask students to reflect on what they learned through this activity and how it deepened their understanding of the novel.

Assessment

• Evaluate teams based on their completion of the scavenger hunt missions.
• Assess individually based on their personal reflection of the importance of geography in understanding cultural and historical contexts.

Ready Made Experience Templates to Try

Want a copy of this lesson plan to use with your class?

What is Goosechase EDU?

Goosechase is an online platform that helps educators create and run interactive learning experiences in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up and try creating an Experience, or contact us to learn more about our school and district-wide solutions!