QR Challenge: Houdini Box

Created using the ClassTools QR Treasure Hunt Generator

Teacher Notes

A. Prior to the lesson:

1. Arrange students into groups. Each group needs at least ONE person who has a mobile device.

2. If their phone camera doesn't automatically detect and decode QR codes, ask students to

• Download a QR reader (e.g. I-Nigma | NeoReader | Kaywa) onto their mobile devices
• Bring these devices into the lesson.

3. Print out the QR codes.

4. Cut them out and place them around your class / school.

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B. The lesson:

1. Give each group a clipboard and a piece of paper so they can write down the decoded questions and their answers to them.

2. Explain to the students that the codes are hidden around the school. Each team will get ONE point for each question they correctly decode and copy down onto their sheet, and a further TWO points if they can then provide the correct answer and write this down underneath the question.

3. Away they go! The winner is the first team to return with the most correct answers in the time available. This could be within a lesson, or during a lunchbreak, or even over several days!

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C. TIPS / OTHER IDEAS

4. A detailed case study in how to set up a successful QR Scavenger Hunt using this tool can be found here.

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Questions / Answers (teacher reference)

Question	Answer
1. Houdini was a great magician who performed amazing tricks. What did you wonder about Houdini as you read The Houdini Box?	There are many things to wonder
2. Brian Selznick, the author of The Houdini Box, drew his own pictures for the story to help communicate certain feelings. What do you think the picture of Victor on page 401 communicates to the reader?	It communicates sadness
3. How does Victor feel before and after he visits Houdini's house? Why do you think his feelings change?	They change big time
4. Do you think Victor's life will change now that he has opened Houdini's box? Why or why not?	It will change greatly
5. Compare and Contrast YOU to Victor. Use a Venn Diagram for this. You must have at least 3 similarities and 3 differences.	Various answers
6. In the Houdini Box, a boy discovers the secrets of a great magician. Think about a discovery you would like to make. Write a paragraph about that discovery and how it could help you and other people.	Various answers

 

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