Engage your upper elementary students with task card scavenger hunts. Learn how to set up this engaging classroom activity and watch students collaborate, problem-solve, and have fun learning. Turning task cards into a classroom game-changer is easier than you think.
Why task card scavenger hunts work in the classroom:
Scavenger hunts with task cards are one of my favorite activities in the classroom. It’s an easy way to use and enjoy ordinary decks of task cards.
Task cards are great for getting students out of their seats and moving, but scavenger hunts introduce an element of mystery as students search for matching cards.
Scavenger hunts make practicing skills feel like a game, and the movement keeps students engaged and enthusiastic.
The best part? Setting up a scavenger hunt doesn’t take much time!
How to set up a task card scavenger hunt:
1. Print and cut out the task cards you want to use.
2. Put the cards in the correct order by the problem number.
3. Start with card #1. Don’t write on it yet, but keep it close by.
4. On the back of task card #2, write the answer to task card #1.
5. On the back of task card #3, write the answer to task card #2, continuing through the deck. Write the answer to the card that came before it on each subsequent card.
6. Once you get to the last card in the set, write its answer on the back of card #1.
7. After writing on the back of each card, tape the cards around the classroom in random order. The answers you wrote should be facing up for students to see. The problems or questions will be turned toward the wall out of sight.
IMPORTANT – Be sure the cards are placed around the classroom in random order. Part of the fun is searching for the answers and matching them. If the cards are in the correct order, the game won’t be much fun!
How to play the scavenger hunt:
1. Give students an answer sheet with problem numbers (this helps them complete all problems in order and holds them accountable).
2. Students can start on any card. They solve the problem on the task card and write their answer on the answer sheet.
3. Then, they search the task cards for that answer. After finding their answer on a task card, they should check that the card number is the following problem/answer in the task card set. They solve the problem or question on that card.
4. If students can’t find an answer on the task cards, they need to try the problem again.
5. Students should continue this process until all problems are solved.
Turning task cards into an exciting math scavenger hunt is a game-changer in the classroom.
It’s not just a fun activity; it’s an exciting way to reinforce learning and keep students engaged.
Students are encouraged to collaborate, problem-solve, and move around, making learning practice feel like a fun game.
Plus, setting up a scavenger hunt is a breeze, requiring minimal time and effort by teachers.
Task card scavenger hunts also make planning for substitute teachers pain-free! I always struggled to plan for having a sub in my classroom, but this makes it simple.
Consider trying a scavenger hunt activity for your students; you’ll have as much fun as they do.
Need task cards?
If you need a fresh supply of task cards, I encourage you to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers shop and check out the ready-to-go options I have available today. If you’re interested in the sets above, click the images to learn more.
Want more task card ideas?
Be sure to read How to Energize Your Teaching With Task Cards for more ideas about keeping learning fun with movement and new activities.
Task cards are so versatile – Try Task Cards for Your Substitute Teacher Plans.
