Whole-Class Control Sweep Challenge
The whole class forms one team with a single challenge: collect the codes from 30 control flags spread around the school as fast as possible. Students plan the split together and, after a first attempt, try to beat their time. They practice cooperation and planning.
How to play
- Before class, place 30 flags around campus with a different code on each side. Each group will get a map showing all 30 numbered flags.
- Take 2 minutes to explain and form 6 groups of 4 or 5. The class gets 3 minutes to divide up the flags; the teacher only listens.
- First attempt (8 minutes max): start the stopwatch; each group visits its flags and writes down the codes. Time stops when the last group gets back.
- The teacher checks the codes: each missing or wrong flag adds 30 seconds to the class time.
- After 3 minutes to re-plan, run a second attempt with the same flags, which the teacher has turned to show the other code.
- Wrap up for 3 minutes by comparing the two times and the decisions that improved them.
Rules
- Group members stay together and within sight.
- Run on paths and open areas; walk around corners, stairs and doors.
- Only the teacher turns the flags.
- During planning, anyone can propose ideas and the class listens to everyone before deciding.
Variations
Easier
Use twenty flags on the playground only, and the teacher suggests splitting the map into color zones.
Standard
Thirty flags across campus and two attempts with penalties.
Harder
On the second attempt the maps have no numbers, and flags are assigned by pointing at one big shared map.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student coordinates from the big map at the start area or gets an accessible zone.
- Autism or shyness: hand out role cards (navigator, recorder, timekeeper) so everyone has a job.
- Fitness level: the class gives the far zones to students with more endurance and balances the number of flags.
Learning goals
- Plan how a large group splits up an orienteering course.
- Cooperate toward a shared goal by beating a time.
- Evaluate the decisions made and suggest improvements.
Equipment for a class of 25
- control flags: 30
- maps: 7
- pencils: 6
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
It's hard to stay out of the planning, but that's where the learning happens: let them make mistakes on the first try. Keep a big map at the start area so everyone can see the plan.
PatioLab has "Whole-Class Control Sweep Challenge" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for Elementary
1-on-1 Mini Volleyball Up and Down the River
One-on-one mini volleyball duels on 3 x 3 m courts under a rope 2 m high, using a receive, self-set and send rule.
1v1 Four-Gate Soccer Duels
In a square with a gate on each side, two players go head to head and score by dribbling through any of the four gates.
2-on-2 Mini Volleyball with a Neutral Setter
Two-on-two mini volleyball with a neutral setter under the rope who always plays for the team with the ball.
2v1 Attack Waves to Mini Goals
Two attackers take on one defender and try to score on a small goal in under 10 seconds.
3v1 Basketball Keep-Away Squares
In coned squares, three players pass the ball without dribbling while one defender in the middle tries to intercept.
3v3 Mini-Volleyball with Set Passes
Small-sided 3v3 mini-volleyball on small courts, with a bonus for building the play with a set.