Do you have what it takes to create ciphers so difficult that only the best cryptologists can solve your hidden messages? Are you skilled at deciphering codes, puzzles or cryptograms that can lead you on scavenger hunts throughout the Omaha area in search of the ultimate prize? Join other ESU#3 HAL teams for this challenge where “Life is a game, and books are the tokens!”
This workshop is based upon the novel Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. HAL teachers will work with an ESU#3 specialist to accomplish the following goals:
1. To design an exciting “spy & cipher” opening launch event featuring a scavenger hunt using some of the teachers’ favorite books.
2. To participate in mini-workshops designed to teach students a variety of riddle/cipher writing and solving techniques. Students will also learn about famous fictitious sleuths created in the minds of authors like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) who’s imagination predicted the use of scientific evidence in solving real crimes! (BTW, this year is the 125th Anniversary of the very first Sherlock Holmes mystery.)
3. To introduce students to the on-line Book Scavenger game - i.e., how to use the website, how to interact using social media, how to hide and find books in Nebraska and across the country. Book Scavenger website: http://bookscavenger.com/
4. Ultimate goal: Students will create their own book scavenger game around the Omaha area hiding their favorite books, posting their self-created clues & ciphers to the above website, and work with other on-line fans to compete in a “real-life” book scavenger challenge.
Requirements: Schools must purchase copies of the novel Book Scavenger and require participating HAL students to read the book prior to the workshop dates scheduled. This book is currently on the 2017-18 Golden Sower list, so copies may be available for checkout through local school and public libraries. ESU#3 will provide a HAL specialist to plan/coordinate activities with the HAL classroom teacher at your school. Six (6) contracted hours of guidance will be provided.
Dates*: August - May (Specific contracted dates may be coordinated directly with Lori Strohm: strohm.cellardoor@gmail.com or 402-203-9487).
*10/31/2017 is a holding place only for registration purposes.
REGISTRATION NOTE: By registering for this workshop, your district will be put on the waitlist. The workshop will stay open for registration until one month before the workshop is scheduled to take place. Once closed, the available spots will be divided amongst the districts that are on the wait list.