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Campus Quest

Lesson Plan

Campus Quest Lesson Plan

Students will explore and familiarize themselves with the classroom and key school areas by solving a series of site-based clues in teams, building comfort with routines and fostering collaboration on the first day.

This scavenger hunt reduces first-day anxiety by helping 7th-grade special education students learn their environment, practice following routines, and develop teamwork and social skills essential for a confident start to the year.

Audience

7th Grade Special Education Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided teamwork scavenger hunt with clear clues and visual supports.

Materials

Clipboards, Pencils, Scavenger Hunt Clue Cards, Scavenger Hunt Answer Sheet, and School Map (Optional)

Prep

Prepare Materials and Stations

15 minutes

  • Print and cut out Scavenger Hunt Clue Cards and copies of the Scavenger Hunt Answer Sheet
  • Place clue cards at designated classroom and school locations in advance
  • Review the scavenger hunt route and ensure accessibility for all students
  • Gather clipboards and pencils for each group
  • Plan student groupings and assign adult or peer buddies for reading or mobility support

Step 1

Introduction and Grouping

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a central location and explain the scavenger hunt using simple, clear language
  • Show the optional school map and point out key new areas (office, cafeteria, library)
  • Emphasize teamwork, safety, and asking for help when needed
  • Assign students into small, mixed-ability teams and pair with a peer buddy or aide

Step 2

Scavenger Hunt Activity

20 minutes

  • Distribute a clipboard, pencil, and Scavenger Hunt Answer Sheet to each group
  • Direct each team to their first Scavenger Hunt Clue Card
  • Students read the clue (or use visual supports) to locate the next station, then record their answer
  • Teacher and support staff circulate to assist with reading, writing, or navigation as needed
  • Encourage groups to check off each location on their answer sheet before moving on

Step 3

Debrief and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Reconvene in the classroom and have each group share one favorite discovery or challenge
  • Review correct answers and key locations to reinforce routines (e.g., where to line up, where to find supplies)
  • Praise teamwork and problem-solving efforts
  • Collect clipboards, answer sheets, and discuss next steps for classroom routines
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Slide Deck

Campus Quest Scavenger Hunt

A 30-minute first-day adventure

• Work in teams to solve clues
• Explore classroom & school
• Practice routines & teamwork

Welcome students! Today we’ll kick off our first day with a fun scavenger hunt to help you learn our classroom and some key spots around school. Get excited and ready to work with your team!

Objective

Students will explore and familiarize themselves with the classroom and key school areas by solving a series of site-based clues in teams, building comfort with routines and fostering collaboration.

Read aloud the objective. Emphasize that this activity will help them feel more comfortable and confident in their new space.

Getting Started

  1. Form small, mixed-ability teams
  2. Each team: clipboard, pencil, answer sheet
  3. Teacher/staff support you as needed
  4. Follow clues in order, check off each location

Explain how we’ll divide into teams, what materials each group needs, and review safety and teamwork expectations.

School Map

[Insert simplified school map with numbered stops]

Key Locations:
• 1: Classroom supply area
• 2: Library entrance
• 3: Cafeteria door
• 4: Office hallway

Show the map and point out the locations where clues are hidden. Ensure students know how to read or follow color-coded visual supports.

Clue #1

"Find the place where we keep our pencils and markers. Look for the red bucket on the shelf and write down its label."

Display each clue one at a time. Read it together, show any picture prompts, then let teams discuss before moving out.

Clue #2

"Go to the quiet room with lots of books. Count how many chairs are in front of the big table and write the number."

Guide teams to move on to clue #2 after they record the answer. Encourage checking with a buddy if they’re unsure.

Clue #3

"Head to the cafeteria entrance. Look for the poster with today’s lunch menu and tell us what’s for dessert."

Remind students to stay together and ask for help with reading or writing if needed.

Debrief & Reflection

• What was your favorite stop?
• Which clue was easiest? Which was hardest?
• How did your team work together?
• Questions about routines or locations?

After finding all clues, bring everyone back for reflection. Encourage each group to share one highlight or challenge.

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Activity

Scavenger Hunt Clue Cards

Each team receives a set of these cards. Read the simple clue and look at the icon to help you find the next location. Write your answer on your Scavenger Hunt Answer Sheet.

Clue Card #1 🖊️

Find the place where we keep our pencils and markers. Look for the red bucket on the shelf and write down its label.




Clue Card #2 📚

Go to the quiet room with lots of books. Count how many chairs are in front of the big table and write that number.




Clue Card #3 🍽️

Head to the cafeteria entrance. Look for the poster with today’s lunch menu and tell us what’s listed for dessert.




Clue Card #4 📋

Proceed to the office hallway. Find the big sign near the principal’s office and write the first word you see.




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Worksheet

Scavenger Hunt Answer Sheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Use your Scavenger Hunt Clue Cards to find each location.
Check the box when you find it, then write your answer in the space provided.

  • Clue #1 – Red bucket label:
    Answer:


  • Clue #2 – Number of chairs in front of the big table:
    Answer:


  • Clue #3 – Today’s dessert on the lunch menu poster:
    Answer:


  • Clue #4 – First word on the sign near the principal’s office:
    Answer:


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Cool Down

Campus Quest Cool Down

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Thank you for completing our Campus Quest scavenger hunt! Take a moment to reflect on your experience by answering the questions below. There’s no right or wrong answer—just share your thoughts!

  1. What was your favorite part of today’s scavenger hunt?



  1. Which clue did you find most challenging and why?



  1. One new place in the school that you learned about today is:



  1. On a scale of 1–5, how confident do you feel about finding your way around the school now?

[ ] 1 – Not confident [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5 – Very confident

  1. Do you have any questions or suggestions to make next time’s scavenger hunt even better?






Thank you for sharing! Your feedback helps us make our activities fun and helpful. 😊

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