KS3+ App-based scavenger hunts
USE THE APP 'GOOSECHASE' TO EXPLORE CONSERVATION AND ADAPTATIONS AT LONDON ZOO
Embark on quests around the Zoo completing online challenges in teams, using the scavenger hunt app ‘Goosechase’. You can choose from a Conservation or an Adaptations Challenge.
How does it work?
- The lead teacher attends a pre-visit meeting/phone call with a member of our education team to set the experience up for the group.
- Students download the free app 'Goosechase' to their mobile phones or school devices prior to their trip to the zoo.
- Students are organised by the school into small teacher/school adult supervised teams to compete against others from their setting.
- Students and supervising adults review the instructional materials provided by the zoo so they are familiar with what they will be doing, and so they can come up with a plan/strategy and consult the zoo map to make their routes more efficient.
- Teams navigate around London Zoo using the challenges on the Goosechase app to guide them - tagging their locations, taking photographs/videos and submitting answers to earn points while exploring the zoo.
What challenges are available?
Conservation Challenge
This interactive scavenger hunt will guide students through key exhibits, challenge them with clues and conservation-themed tasks, and inspire them to think critically about protecting endangered species and habitats. Along the way, they'll meet incredible animals, learn about global conservation efforts, and discover how they can make a difference.
Adaptations Challenge
Students will journey through the zoo, solving clues and completing challenges that reveal how different species have evolved to survive in their unique habitats. Each stop uncovers fascinating facts about the incredible ways animals adapt to their environments to help bring biology learning to life with real animals right in front of them.
FAQs
Do all groups have to be supervised?
Yes. As per our supervision guidelines 'All students visiting on primary-age or secondary-age education tickets must be with a supervising adult at all times whilst in the zoo, including in our shop and all walk-through exhibits. Students visiting on Post-16 or Higher Education tickets do not need to be with an adult at all times, but school staff must be in the zoo and contactable during the trip'. This holds additional importance for groups participating in Goosechase as the supervising adult will additionally be responsible for safeguarding in relation to the content the group are posting onto the app.
What size groups should we divide into?
We recommend splitting into groups of around 5-12 students. Our supervision ratios enable 1 free supervising adult per 5 students, at a minimum of 1 adult to 12 students. The students will get the most out of the experience in groups of this size.
What if we don't allow phones, or not every student has one available?
We find that each student having the app on their phone leads to maximum engagement. At a minimum you could particate with 1 member of each group having the app. This does not need to be on a mobile phone - you could use a school device if it had mobile data capabilities.
Do you have WIFI to connect to in the zoo?
We have free guest WIFI, although there are some areas of the zoo there it is less reliable. Ensuring at least 1 member of each group has a mobile data connection will ensure you are able to submit answers.
Do we have to follow a set route around the zoo?
The questions can be answered in any order, and it's preferable for your groups to head in different directions. We recommend you pre-plan your routes before your visit.
Do I have to meet with the education team in advance, or can I just do the experience on the day?
You must have a meeting (Microsoft teams or telephone) with a member of our education team before your Goosechase booking can be finalised. We can then set up the experience for your group, answer any questions and ensure that safeguarding measures are understood.
Is there a fee for this activity?
This is a free activity and can be booked as a free add-on to a KS3, KS4 or KS5 school trip. Please find our educational trip prices here.
How to Book
This activity is free, but needs to be booked in advance of your visit to enable time for your pre-visit meeting, your experience to be set up, and for your students and supervising adults to download and prepare before you arrive.
- Please complete a Schools Booking Form and state you would like to book 'Goosechase' in the 'Any other information' section at the bottom of the enquiry form.
- A provisional confirmation will be sent to you, and you will be able to book in a pre-visit meeting with a member of the education team.
- To request a booking please complete the School Booking Form here. This is an enquiry form only - your booking is not confirmed until you have received confirmation directly from us. It is very important that you include your request for 'Goosechase' in the "any other information" section. If you do not include this, only admission tickets will be booked.
If you have already booked a trip to the zoo, and wish to add on Goosechase afterwards, please email [email protected].