A scavenger hunt can serve as a means to engage students in or out of the classroom. Scavenger hunts utilize the theory of game-based learning to:

• Develop critical-thinking skills;
• Review course content;
• Create familiarity with resources on campus and location of services; and/or
• Develop team-building skills.

Scavenger hunts can be utilized in classes, with organizations, within departments, or even university-wide.

While scavenger hunts can be accomplished low-tech, including paper-based, one tech-based option is the use of GooseChase. The instructor creates the hunt using GooseChase’s website and students participate in the hunt using an app on their mobile device. The missions can be set up for participants to submit text responses, photos, videos, or GPS location check-ins.

A free educator’s version is available for smaller groups but a paid version is necessary for larger groups. While UConn does not provide paid versions of the software, departments, programs, or individuals can purchase the software. Be sure to use the educator site for better pricing: www.goosechase.com/edu/

 

                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sample missions:

First Year Experience: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZtdGUjN4_X_oo_aGOSn-LXwkVu-e-NFiyEVNrp-PW9g/edit#gid=1203650713

In-person Storrs-based university-wide Husky Hunt: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1igOC0Th2kN2RaMpRuvVi-3_jwrCGTZQz0QrdFzJW16Q/edit#gid=1911926580

Virtual university-wide Husky Hunt: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12zgl8cVHYoJgL8TkzgYBfOtYsV2AQzwClimfMt4-lwI/edit#gid=1949929768

 

 

For support using GooseChase:

Option 1: GooseChase offers a chat feature on their website. Look for the blue chat icon in the lower right corner of pages.

Option 2: Additional support resources can be found at: https://support.goosechase.com/en/

 

 

 

Scavenger hunts in higher education research articles:

Ramsey U. Americans with disabilities act scavenger hunt. J Legal Studies Educ 2018; 35(1): 143-164

Renner BR, Cahoon E, Allegri F. Low-tech scavenger hunt model for student orientation. Med Ref Services Quarterly 2016; 35(4): 372-387.

Schaller TK. Exploring the marketplace: scavenger hunts as field-based experiential learning. Marketing Educ Rev 2020; 30(2): 118-124.

Segrist DJ, Nordstrom CR. The scavenger hunt: getting to know your psychology department. Teaching of Psychology 2007;34(2):100-103.

Stark RK, Opuda E, McElfresh J, Kauffroath K. Scavenging for evidence: a systematic review of scavenger hunts in academic libraries. J Acad Librarianship 2021; 47:1023-45.

Zayac RM, Miller S, Lenhard W, Paulk A, Chrysler K. Short-term study abroad in psychology: effects of a cultural scavenger hunt on the development of intercultural competence. Teaching of Psychology 2021; 48(1):32-40.