Mystery Envelope Challenge Hunt

Twelve sealed envelopes spread across the field hide movement challenges of different difficulty, shown by stars on the outside. Each team decides which envelopes to go for and in what order to rack up points. Students practice varied skills, decision making and teamwork.

How to play

1. Place 12 numbered cones across the field, each with an envelope and the needed equipment beside it; each envelope shows 1 to 3 stars on the outside.
2. Sample challenges: 20 dribbles in a row, everyone through a hoop without letting go of hands, 10 passes without a drop or a 15-yard hop on one foot.
3. Make 5 teams of 5 with a score sheet; teams spend 2 minutes planning which envelopes to try first.
4. The team travels together to the cone, opens the envelope, does the challenge and puts the card back; the teacher or a judge signs the sheet and the stars count as points.
5. Two gold envelopes can only be done by two teams working together and are worth 5 points each (18 min of play).
6. Finish (5 min): add up the whole class's points, and each team shares its best decision and what it would change.

Rules

• Teams always travel together; nobody goes to a cone alone.
• If an envelope is in use, wait outside or choose another.
• Put the card back in the envelope for the next team.
• Run looking ahead and steer around other teams.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: adapted challenges, and the student serves as the team's reader and strategist.
• Visual impairment: raised stars on the envelopes and a partner who reads the challenge aloud.
• Lower fitness: the team can choose one-star challenges with no penalty.

Learning goals

• Practice a variety of movement skills.
• Make team decisions by weighing difficulty and time.
• Cooperate with other teams to meet shared challenges.

Equipment for a class of 25

• envelopes: 12
• challenge cards: 12
• cones: 12
• assorted equipment sets: 12

Teacher tip

Add a picture to each card as well as text for younger readers. Put the three-star envelopes far from the center so the choice has a cost.

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