The Badge Archive

Tech Scavenger Hunt

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Cybersecurity Basics badge requirements.

Info Needed for the badge requirements: Computers are housed in a System Unit. That’s a computer case on a desktop or the laptop itself. Computers have a Monitor to view things. A keyboard and mouse allow the user to interact with the computer. Inside the computer are the parts that make them work. The CPU, RAM, Hard drive, and Motherboard are common parts in all computers. The CPU (or Central Processing Unit) is like the brain of the computer, it controls all the parts. The Motherboard helps the computer communicate with all the parts, the internet, and devices you plug in or connect to, like USB cards, the keyboard and mouse, and even printers. RAM (or Random Access Memory) is the short term memory of your computer. It remembers what you are doing, like when you type in a word document. If you shut down the computer, anything on the RAM is lost. The Hard drive is the long term memory of your computer. It stores information, like when you save a file. When you shut down your computer, the data stays in the Hard drive. Of course, you can turn your computer on and off because it has a power source. Sometimes computers get very hot when they have been powered on for a long time. A fan is put inside the computer. If the pieces get too hot, they can burn out and be ruined. The fan kicks in to cool the parts down before it gets that hot.

Items Needed

  • Create Tech Scavenger Hunt Scenario strips (cut into pieces)
  • Bowl
  • Objects to place around the room that match the scenario strips you created.

Before the Meeting

  • Create your Tech Scavenger Hunt Scenario strips
  • Place all your Tech Scavenger Hunt Scenario strips into a bowl.
  • Arrange the listed objects around the room in accessible spots.

Instructions

  1. Each scout or team picks a scenario strip from the bowl and finds the object in the room that matches the prompt. They can all hunt at the same time.
  2. Scouts stand next to the matching object but do not pick it up.
  3. Once all the strips are picked, scouts take turns reading out loud their scenario and identifying the object they matched it to.
  4. Gather the objects at the front of the room and ask scouts if they recognize all of them. Describe any objects that scouts have trouble identifying.
  5. Explain that all these items used to be carried around but can now be stored or accessed on a digital device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Prompt scouts to brainstorm other tasks that can be done on a digital device, like maps, games, or apps.
  6. Wrap up by talking about the importance of keeping digital devices safe, such as protecting passwords and not sharing personal information online.

Suggested Strips and Objects

Items Needed:

  • Large-size calendar
  • Photo album
  • Calculator
  • Flashlight
  • Diary or journal
  • School notebook
  • Address book
  • Music CD
  • Movie DVD

Strip Suggestions:

  1. “Find something that helps you keep track of important dates.”
    • Matching item: Calendar
  2. “Find something that stores photos and memories.”
    • Matching item: Photo album
  3. “Find something you can use to solve math problems.”
    • Matching item: Calculator
  4. “Find something that helps you see in the dark.”
    • Matching item: Flashlight
  5. “Find something you can write your secrets or thoughts in.”
    • Matching item: Diary or journal
  6. “Find something where you write schoolwork or practice letters.”
    • Matching item: School notebook
  7. “Find something you use to keep track of friends’ phone numbers or addresses.”
    • Matching item: Address book
  8. “Find something that plays music.”
    • Matching item: Music CD
  9. “Find something that plays a movie or show.”
    • Matching item: Movie DVD
Tia Kennard