This active course provided motivation for students to get out and become more active while also providing the mandatory Physical Education credit for Massachusetts high school graduation. Including social and recreational activities, students that may not be intrinsically motivated to engage in physical activities are provided necessary motivational support to engage.
Over the course of 80 hours, students:
- Researched and planned hikes, orienteering activities, and geocaching excursions
- Created packing lists for outings and organized their equipment
- Engaged in long (2-4 hour) hikes across the Greater Boston area
- Took turns navigating and leading excursions
- Engaged with peers socially while on adventures
- Discussed the importance (and self-perceived impact) of regular fitness activities
This course was designed to provide motivation to complete the high school requirement of Physical Education. It drew on students’ intrinsic enjoyment of adventures and exploration. Engaging in geocaching also provided mental stimulation as students solved ciphers, used maps and a compass to navigate, and followed clues to locate hidden troves in various locations. The thrill of finding a treasure, placing an item, and taking a memento from the cache is palpable and motivation for further activities.
This course was taught by Andrew Harris, M.Ed., a publisher, game designer, and small business owner. Andrew regularly spends time in the forest behind their house exploring and imagining many adventures.
