"Class, I have hidden 16 items that represent the ancient writing materials the Bible was written on. You job as young archeologists is to go out to find them and then bring them back, sign your name and post it here on the board. But don't dig up any of the school's plants! GO!"
My 6th grade students excitedly ran out the two classroom doors to see if they could be the first one to find some stone, parchment, ostraca, papyrus, leather, parchment or other. I, as their teacher, had even more fun watching them search and discover my hiding spots! I did not make this easy but caused them to search for clues like true archeologists need to do. 
As I was making this fun lesson plan I remembered how my mom once gave me a teddy bear scavenger hunt for my birthday, and I still remember it to this day. I thought, "Perhaps if I create a learning experience like that, they will remember what it is like to be an archeologist discovering important Biblical documents like the Dead Sea Scrolls!"
"I found the last one, Mrs. Becker!" Luke shouted from across the field as he ran back to the classroom. We took a crazy group photo as most archeology teams do after an important dig. Then I was most rewarded when Luke said, "Can we do this again tomorrow? That was fun!" I hope it was not only fun but a wonderful learning experience for them that we will continue to build upon in the coming days.
2 comments:
You are FUN, Mrs. Becker! And I'm sure the students not only had fun, but will remember the experience and lesson for a long time. Who knows, perhaps they will be inspired to make great scavenger hunts for their own children or students some day. It is a gift that just keeps giving! Love you tons and wish I could be in your class! Mums
You are such a creative, hands-on teacher! A true natural! Your kids will remember you and the activities you do for years to come! :)
Love, Jess
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