Adventure Expedition Lesson Plan Strength Spotting Adventure
Instructional Guide for 7th Grade Educators
45 Minutes
The Mission
Students will engage in activities to identify and appreciate their personal strengths. Through a strengths scavenger hunt and the creation of a collective "Strengths Tree," students will develop self-awareness and a positive self-image. This lesson fosters confidence and a sense of belonging within the classroom community.
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify at least three personal strengths and recognize the diverse strengths present in their peer group.
Gear List
Post-it notes (various colors)
Fine-tip markers
Large butcher paper (for tree trunk/branches)
Scavenger Hunt Worksheets
Adventure Slide Deck
Expedition Timeline
0-5 min
Introduction: The Strength Concept
Begin with a brief discussion on what personal strengths are. It's not just "being good at sports"—it's character traits, skills, and unique perspectives.
"Think about what makes you unique. What is something people often come to you for help with?"
5-20 min
Strengths Scavenger Hunt
Distribute the worksheets. Students move around the room to find classmates who exhibit specific strengths listed. They must write the peer's name in the corresponding box.
Encourage students to ask "Why do you think that's a strength of yours?"
20-35 min
The Community Strengths Tree
Direct students to write one of their top strengths on a Post-it note (or leaf template). One by one, they place their strength on the community tree drawn on large paper.
Discuss: How do these individual leaves make our class "tree" stronger and more vibrant?
35-40 min
Group Debrief
Use the provided Discussion Guide. Focus on how recognizing strengths can improve school performance and social connections.
40-45 min
Closing Reflection
Summarize key points. Encourage students to "spot" a strength in someone else before the end of the school day.
Strength Spotting Discussion Guide Discussion Guide
Strength Spotting Adventure
Teacher Resource
Facilitation Goal
Use these questions to transition from individual discovery to group awareness. The goal is for students to articulate their strengths and understand how these traits benefit their personal lives and the classroom ecosystem.
1
What is a personal strength you discovered or "spotted" today?
Encourage students to reflect on the scavenger hunt results. Did someone write their name down for a strength they didn't realize they had?
2
How can recognizing our strengths help us in school and life?
Guide students toward themes of resilience, choosing career paths, improving teamwork, and building self-confidence.
Bonus Expedition Inquiry
"Can a strength ever be a weakness if used too much?"
Example: Someone who is very "determined" (strength) might become "stubborn" (challenge) if they don't listen to others' ideas. This helps students understand the nuance of character traits.
Strengths Scavenger Hunt Worksheet Field Mission
Strengths Scavenger Hunt
Explorer Name:
Date:
Mission Objective
Move around the classroom and "spot" strengths in your peers! When you find someone who fits a description, ask them to sign their name in that box. Try to find a different person for every box!
Good Listener
Pays attention and responds thoughtfully to others.
Signature:
Creative Thinker
Comes up with unique ideas or creative solutions.
Signature:
Team Player
Works well with others and supports their peers.
Signature:
Highly Organized
Keeps things orderly and manages time effectively.
Signature:
Brave Explorer
Willing to try new things even if they are nervous.
Signature:
Problem Solver
Finds ways to fix things or work through challenges.
Signature:
Helping Hand
Always ready to lend assistance to those in need.
Signature:
Joy Spreader
Has a positive attitude and makes others smile.
Signature:
Final Expedition Note
"Which strength was the most common in your group? Which was the rarest?"
Strength Spotting Slides 7th Grade Expedition
Strength Spotting
Adventure
"Discover the superpowers you and your peers carry every day."
What is a Strength?
A strength isn't just being good at math or sports. It is a character trait or skill that helps you and others.
How you think (Creative, Strategic)
How you feel (Brave, Patient)
How you lead (Kind, Reliable)
Think-Pair-Share
"What is one thing people often come to you for help with?"
Phase One
The Scavenger Hunt
15 MINUTES
1
Spot It
Find a classmate who matches a strength on your list.
2
Confirm It
Ask them: "Why do you think that's a strength of yours?"
3
Sign It
Get their signature in the box. One person per box!
Phase Two
Growing the Tree
Write it Down
Choose your greatest strength and write it on a post-it leaf.
Plant it
Add your leaf to the class tree trunk on the wall.
Admire the Growth
Notice how diverse and strong our "community forest" is becoming.
A single leaf is small,
Expedition Debrief
"What is a personal strength you discovered or 'spotted' today?"
"How can recognizing our strengths help us in school and life?"
Expedition Complete
Every day is an opportunity to use your strengths and spot them in others.
Stay Strong, Explorers!
