Ahoyy Mate!

This week in math my students were learning about measurement and how to use a ruler. To wrap up the week, I chose to incorporate a fun pirate treasure hunt to assess the students understanding of using a ruler. To begin my lesson, I asked the students if they had seen anyone (different than usual) come into the room while we had stepped out. With confused looks on their faces, I explained that someone had left an interesting note (tied with ribbon) and 4 pirate hats. As soon as the students heard/saw the pirate hats, they were immediately excited! We discussed the possibilities of what the note could be. "Maybe it's a treasure map" they all kept shouting. Ah, the treasure map. I knew I had forgot something!

You see, I created a treasure hunt for the students including clues that they would need to follow. In order to solve each clue and get to the next, the students had to measure the designated item stated on the previous clue. The students loved it because each clue was written in pirate language! The activity went very well and the students enjoyed it very much. I was also very happy to see them properly using the ruler as they had learned all week.

If I could change anything about the lesson, I would remember to incorporate a treasure map. Although it was not needed for this activity, I think it would have made the effects more interesting and maybe I could have incorporated measurement into the map as well!