The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information is for educational purposes only. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Environmental games and activities: Who am I?.Environmental games and activities: Web of Life.Environmental games and activities: Camouflage.Environmental games and activities: Predator-prey relationships.Watch for more environmental games and activities in future articles on Michigan State University Extension’s Environmental and Outdoor Education webpage. Everyone involved will find it worth the time.
![prey treasure hunt code not working prey treasure hunt code not working](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51qpoeehxFL._SX372_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Try one with your 4-H club, youth group, classroom or family. In addition, they are easy to make, coordinate and are adaptable to most any location or age level.
![prey treasure hunt code not working prey treasure hunt code not working](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/515Hojcaj3L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Many more questions are sure to arise and some engaging conversation will likely result.Įnvironmental scavenger hunts are fun, engaging and educational. What is it? Where did it come from? Why did it end up where it was found? What use is it? What special features does it have? What senses did you use? How did you find it? Public speaking can also be incorporated by asking each child or group to find the coolest thing and have a “show and tell” about what they found. At the end of the hunt, it is important to discuss their findings.
![prey treasure hunt code not working prey treasure hunt code not working](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5152pVeUYmL._SX315_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Make sure to start the activity encouraging youth to ask questions, keep their senses alert and work together. While the scavenger hunt portion of the activity is fun, it is the learning aspect that should be the important component. There is no limit to what scavenger hunts can seek as long as you think creatively! They can be specific to birds, mammals, insects, fishes, trees, small plants, seeds, weather, etc. Don’t forget urban environments too! Scavenger hunts can be theme-focused as well. They can be made to relate to many different types of habitats or ecosystems such as aquatic, upland forests, prairie, bogs, swamps and marshes. Youth like taking pictures, so using a digital or phone camera is another way to “collect” items without taking them.Įnvironmental scavenger hunts can be created easily and adapted to any location. If you are collecting, a storage bag or small box works well. Laminating the sheets is a good idea because dry erase marker can be used to check off items and the sheets can be used multiple times. For example, a younger child might find a leaf, but an older child might find a red oak leaf. For older children, you can involve more specific identifications in the hunt. For younger children, the list may include pictures of what to look for rather than just words. Some items just can’t be collected such as animal tracks, trees, live animals and sunsets.Ĭhecklists are really good means of helping youth with what to find. Items that can be collected include rocks, feathers, seeds and cones, fallen leaves and conifer needles and litter. Bird nests, animal scat, live plants, buck rubs, mushrooms and spider webs are some examples of items that should not be collected. Collection of the item is not always necessary or advised as many items are best left where they are. Scavenger hunts involve youth working alone, in pairs or small groups to “find” selected items. Scavenger hunts may be one of the most popular, effective and easy-to-use activities. Games can be hands-on, interactive, cover key concepts and create good discussion. There are many positive aspects to using activities of this nature. By turning learning into a game, it changes the mindset of children. Games are great to help youth explore and learn about the natural environment.