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Connection Quest

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Lesson Plan

Connection Quest Itinerary

Students will engage in a collaborative scavenger hunt to decode seasonal clues, discover school facts, and build teamwork, culminating in personal reflections and a shared celebration.

This lesson sparks curiosity about our school environment, fosters peer collaboration, and helps students build connections at the start of the year while reinforcing critical thinking and reflection skills.

Audience

7th Grade Class

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Interactive seasonal scavenger hunt building connections and teamwork.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Rules

3 minutes

  • Welcome students and explain the Connection Quest objectives
  • Review rules: stay together, be respectful of spaces, and keep pace
  • Organize students into teams of 3–4

Step 2

Scavenger Hunt Activity

15 minutes

  • Reveal each clue slide from Clue Reveal Slides
  • Teams decode the clue and pinpoint the spot on their Scavenger Map
  • At each location, answer a school fact or seasonal question before moving on
  • Teams collect a token or mark the location on their map

Step 3

Quest Reflections

5 minutes

  • Students return to desks with their Quest Reflections Journal
  • Prompt students to write brief responses:
    • Which clue was most memorable and why?
    • What new fact about our school did you learn?
    • How did your team collaborate effectively?

Step 4

Treasure Share Cool-Down

2 minutes

  • Each team shares one highlight or insight from their quest
  • Distribute tokens or small prizes via the Treasure Share Cool-Down
  • Wrap up by celebrating curiosity and teamwork for the year ahead
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Slide Deck

Clue 1: Autumn Leaves

[Image: Autumn Leaves]

Clue Phrase:
Lives In Booklike Rooms And Reading Year-round

Instructions: Take the first letter of each word to decode the location name. Once you arrive, answer: “In what year was our school founded?”

Introduce the first clue. Display the slide and encourage teams to examine the phrase and image. Remind them: use the first letters of each word to spell the location.

Clue 2: Pumpkin Patch

[Image: Carved Pumpkin]

Clue Phrase:
Come And Fill Every Tray, Enjoy Real Individual Appetite

Instructions: Use the first letter of each word to reveal the next stop. At that spot, identify today’s lunch special posted on the board.

Move to Clue 2 when teams have decoded Clue 1. Ensure they record their answer before moving on.

Clue 3: Winter Snowflake

[Image: Snowflake Graphic]

Clue Phrase:
Freedom’s Light Always Glows; Positioned On Lofty Elevation

Instructions: The first letters spell your next destination. Once there, look for the plaque and tell the school motto.

After teams finish Clue 2, prompt them to share the lunch special answer. Then unveil Clue 3.

Clue 4: Spring Flower

[Image: Blooming Flower]

Clue Phrase:
Colorful Orchids Under Radiant Tulips, Yearning Around Rustic Designs

Instructions: First letters point to your next location. There, note one plant species growing in our courtyard garden.

Once teams complete Clue 3, confirm the motto and proceed to Clue 4.

Clue 5: Summer Sun

[Image: Bright Sun]

Clue Phrase:
Gather Your Might; Now Ascend Steps In Unison, Multiplying Enthusiasm

Instructions: Spell out the last location with the first letters. At that final spot, find the posted maximum occupancy number.

As teams decode Clue 4, circulate and encourage collaboration. Then reveal the final clue.

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Activity

Connection Quest Scavenger Map

Description: A one–page, illustrated map of key school locations for teams to track their progress during the scavenger hunt.

How to Use:

  1. Each team receives one copy of the Scavenger Map.
  2. As you decode each clue and visit a location, place a sticker or mark the circle next to that spot.
  3. Once all five locations are marked, return to class for reflections and cool-down.

Map Details:

LocationClue #Marker
Library1○
Cafeteria2○
Principal’s Office3○
Courtyard Garden4○
Auditorium5○

Teacher Notes:

  • Print one color copy per team; laminate for reuse if desired.
  • Encourage neat marking so teams can quickly see progress.
  • Use the map as a quick check to ensure no team misses a location.
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Journal

Quest Reflections Journal

Use this page to reflect on your Connection Quest experience. Answer each prompt thoughtfully before moving on.

  1. Which clue was the most memorable and why?






  1. What new fact about our school did you learn today?






  1. How did your team collaborate effectively to solve clues? Describe one strategy your group used.











  1. If you could add a new clue to the quest, what would it be and where on campus would you hide it? Explain your idea.






  1. Imagine it’s another season—write a short poem or description for a brand-new seasonal clue you would design.












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Cool Down

Treasure Share Cool-Down

Purpose: Wrap up the Connection Quest by celebrating highlights and rewarding collaboration.

  1. Form a Sharing Circle (1 minute)
  • Have each team return to a central spot and sit or stand in a circle.
  1. Team Highlight Share (1 minute)
  • Invite one representative from each team to share one of the following:
    • A favorite clue or moment from the quest
    • One new school fact they discovered
    • A teamwork strategy that helped them succeed
  1. Distribute Rewards (30 seconds)
  • As each team shares, hand out a small token, sticker, or prize to recognize their effort.
  • Encourage students to cheer for each other as they receive their token.
  1. Closing Celebration (30 seconds)
  • Lead a quick “three cheers” for curiosity and teamwork.
  • Congratulate everyone on a successful quest and express excitement for the year ahead.

Materials Needed:

  • Small tokens or prizes
  • Optional: music or upbeat background track for celebration

Teacher Tip:

  • Keep the sharing brief to fit into the 2-minute cool-down.
  • Use this moment to reinforce positive collaboration and set a tone of excitement for future lessons.
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