This is a scavenger hunt using task cards that is based on the Inca, Mayan & Aztec civilizations which is studied in the 5th grade curriculum under the following standards:

• 5.1 The first humans in the Western Hemisphere modified their physical environment as well as adapted to their environment. Their interactions with their environment led to various innovations and to the development of unique cultures.
• 5.1a Various forms of scientific evidence suggest that humans came to North America approximately 25,000 to 14,000 years ago and spread southward to South America.
• 5.1b Human populations that settled along rivers, in rainforests, along oceans, in deserts, on plains, in mountains, and in cold climates adapted to and made use of the resources and environment around them in developing distinct ways of life.
• 5.1c Early peoples living together in settlements developed shared cultures with customs, beliefs, values, and languages that give identity to the group. These early peoples also developed patterns of organization and governance to manage their societies.

This resource begins by challenging students with a mission, complete the tasks to solve the mystery word and four digit code to collect ancient treasures lost in these civilizations. Check out the preview to see what each task card entails. Students will need to walk around the room reading the task cards. Each task card has a code word on the bottom which is the answer to the question/fill in the blank. The answer will NOT be found on that same task card. For example, the answer to task card #1 is found by reading the passage on task card #8. Students MUST record which task card they found the answer on in their answer sheet under the “FOUND CARDS #” column. That column will be used at the end for the 4 digit lock code. They will follow the clues to find the correct 4 digit code. Once they have completed the scavenger hunt they will receive a half sheet of paper stating that they have found and collected the treasures!

This activity would be a great review before assessments, as a center activity, a group activity, etc. Students will be engaged with the learning while having a fun time trying to solve all of the clues!