Hazard Patrol: Spot the Risks Around the Schoolyard
Groups walk the schoolyard looking for real hazards plus some 'planted' by the teacher, and suggest how to remove them. It is the first step of PAS, protect, applied to everyday prevention.
How to play
- Make groups of four and give each a log sheet and a pencil (1 min).
- Walk an assigned zone noting hazards: wet floors, unanchored goals, holes, forgotten equipment, or cones with hazard tags hidden earlier (4 min).
- Each group marks its most serious hazard by placing a cone next to it (2 min).
- Final walk all together past the cones: each group explains the risk and its fix (3 min).
Rules
- Look and write it down, but don't touch or fix anything dangerous.
- Always walk and stay with your group.
- Stay inside your assigned zone.
- If you find a serious real hazard, tell the teacher right away.
Variations
Easier
A list of five hazards to find and mark.
Standard
Free search with at least five hazards logged.
Harder
Also rate each hazard by severity and likelihood, and say who should fix it.
Adaptations
- Students with visual impairments: walk arm in arm with a partner who describes the area, and contribute what they hear or feel underfoot.
- Limited mobility: the group picks an accessible route and also notes barriers for wheelchairs.
- Students who struggle with writing: the group uses drawings or a photo on the school tablet.
Learning goals
- Spot injury risks around school.
- Suggest simple prevention measures.
- Lower heart rate with a calm group task.
Equipment for a class of 25
- log sheets: 7
- pencils: 7
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Hide four or five tagged cones before class. Pass the list of real hazards to the custodial staff so students see their work matters.
PatioLab has "Hazard Patrol: Spot the Risks Around the Schoolyard" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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