QR Challenge: History of QR Codes

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. How does Macys use QR Codes?	The Macy's star contains a QR in the center that takes the scanner to information on fashion, discounts, and other information on the popular department store.
2. How do politicians use QR Codes?	They are using them to help people learn more about their ideas and get their name out to the public.
3. Who were barcodes invented by, and when?	They were created in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of the Toyota car company.
4. How were barcodes used in Japan?	These codes were used to track car parts in Japan, much like a UPS package is tracked throughout its delivery process.
5. Who took the 1st major step toward the development of the barcode, and why?	In 1948, Bernard Silver made one of the first major steps towards the development of the barcode because for years, supermarkets and food chains knew that they needed a technology like the barcode.
6. What are 3 uses of the basic barcode?	Pricing and tracking of merchandise, tracking of packages, and tickets.
7. What is the advantage of a QR Code versus a barcode?	A QR code allows for more information to be given in a smaller amount of space then a regular barcode.

 

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