Lesson Title: Exploring the Solar System with a Scavenger Hunt

Transform your classroom into a space exploration hub with this engaging, hands-on astronomy lesson! This dynamic lesson plan is designed to get your students out of their seats and demonstrate their understanding of the planetary system in a fun and exciting way. Working individually or in teams, students will complete tasks that will reinforce the lessons you've previously taught, while working collaboratively to foster teamwork and critical thinking skills. 

Grade: 4 - 8

Subject: Science

Objective:

• By the end of this lesson, students will:
  • Review and demonstrate their understanding of the Solar System 
  • Identify their characteristics and roles in the Earth’s space system

Materials:

• Mobile devices with the Goosechase app downloaded (one per team).
• List of Missions (created beforehand in the Goosechase app)
• Prizes for the winning team (optional).

Preparation:

• Create an Experience on the Goosechase app with a series of Earth and Space Missions.
• Develop Missions that require students to demonstrate their understanding of concepts you have taught.  Example Missions:
  • Photo Mission: Eclipse Simulation - Create a model showing a solar or lunar eclipse using classroom materials.
  • Video Mission: Sun Facts - Record a short video explaining three interesting facts about the Sun.
  • Text Mission: Tides Explanation - Write a brief explanation of how the Moon influences tides on Earth and find an image representing high and low tides.
• Find example Missions in the Goosechase Templates below. 
• Run your Experience during one class period or for the entire week.
• 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 scavenger hunt 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.

Lesson Plan Outline:

• Introduction 
  • Begin by explaining the objectives of the lesson
  • Review some of the skills you taught throughout the unit
  • Briefly demonstrate how to use the Goosechase app.
  • Go over the rules and expectations for the scavenger hunt, including safety guidelines and respect for school property.
  • Review some of the skills you have taught throughout the unit, such as:
    • The Sun is a star that provides energy and light to Earth.
    • The Moon’s phases and its orbit around Earth.
    • Eclipses, tides, and how they are influenced by the Moon and Sun.
• 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.
  • Sit back and enjoy watching your students collaborate and demonstrate their learning.
• Debrief and Reflection 
  • Gather students and review the results of the scavenger hunt.
  • Discuss the answers and share the most creative solutions from different teams.
  • Highlight key learnings and clarify any misconceptions.

Optional Post-Experience Activities:

• Written Assignment
  • Assign a reflective essay on what they learned about the Moon and Sun. 
• Presentation
  • Students create a presentation reflecting one of their favorite or most interesting submissions from the scavenger hunt.
• Written Reflection
  • Assign students to write a one-page reflection on their experience in the scavenger hunt, focusing on their personal and team's ability to collaborate.

Assessment

• Observe and evaluate student participation and teamwork during the scavenger hunt.
• Review the Written Assignments and/or presentations to understand their grasp of Earth and Space Concepts.

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!