Finding the Seven Sacraments in My Church {scavenger hunt & technology project}

One of my favorite things to do with a class of kids is to take them on a "field trip" to our church.  We are there regularly for Mass, Confession, and Adoration, but there is something special about an unscheduled visit to the quiet church for time in prayer.  I also like to make sure we get in good church tours so that the students are familiar with the structure, decor, and items found in the church.

One way to go about a church tour that is more student directed is a "Sacred Scavenger Hunt."  Instead of the teacher being the expert, the students are able to show what they already know as well as discover new information.  (Hint- call it a Sacred Scavenger Hunt to set the tone- we are still in God's House, we walk, we whisper, etc.)

Because so much of my curriculum focuses on the Sacraments, we go on a Sacred Scavenger Hunt looking for signs and symbols relating to the seven Sacraments.

Here is one recording sheet that lists items the students can try and find, as well as space for them to record other items that relate to each Sacrament:  (Click on image for printable)

Or, you can challenge the students to discover their own connections with this blank record sheet. (Click on image for printable)

We always gather back together and share the symbols each student found.  They are welcome to "borrow" their classmates ideas and record them as well.  I am always amazed at the different things that each child finds, from the sacred vessels for Mass to the images in the stained glass windows.

I make sure as the students are working that I take pictures of all of the items they find. You can see and use some of the images from one of our scavenger hunts in this gallery:

And then, as a cross curricular project between religion and their technology class, the students create a presentation in Google Slides (or you could use Power Point) connecting their knowledge of the Sacraments with their experience in the church.

Click here to view a pdf version of a sample of student work:

And click here for the instructions for the technology project:

How do you incorporate and use technology to strengthen your religion instruction?  I'd love to hear your ideas!