Educational Goals for Players

At a basic level, the iPod treasure hunt aims to help players gain a fundamental understanding of key historical and cultural events, artifacts and figures associated with the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. On a larger level, the game aims to focus on particular events, figures and artifacts that are not only important in the context of local history, but are also tied to greater historical and cultural time periods that define Virginia and U.S. History. Events, artifacts, and figures incorporated into the game are carefully chosen for their historical and cultural significance, and span a wide time frame, from colonial times to modern day life.

The iPod mystery treasure hunt aims to make players have an active role in uncovering the history that surrounds them. It presents them with the challenge of solving a mystery, and lets them learn about the history and culture of UVA, Charlottesville, and our nation along the way. The game also ties in literary figures that are associated with the university, as well music and cultural customs that characterize the town where the university is located, Charlottesville.

We hope to provide an active and engaging experience that teachers can use with their students to spark their interest in exploring local and national history further. For visitors to the Charlottesville area, we hope this game provides a unique and alternate way to explore the rich history found through the city of Charlottesville, particularly on the UVA grounds.

The iPod treasure hunt is designed for several groups of players.

1. High School Students and potential UVA students.
   a.The game is designed for players ages sixteen and above. More specifically, the target population includes junior and senior high school students , who are enrolled in classes related to Virginia & U.S. History, Civics and Economics, as well as American literature. Teachers of these classes can use the iPod treasure hunt as a way to enrich topics they might address as part of coursework in these classes.  
   b. In addition, this game is also appropriate for students who are considering the University of Virginia as a possible choice for earning their Bachelor's degree. The treasure hunt can teach students about the history and culture of the institution they might choose to attend.
   c. We focus on student above the age of 16 because we feel they are old enough to be trusted with technology, and are able to move around the UVA grounds by themselves or with limited supervision.
   
   
2. Incoming and Current University Students.
   The targeted group also includes incoming and current university students who are interested in learning more about the history of UVA in a fun way. Learners can participate in the game as part of their orientation session or on their own time.
   
   
3. Adult Players and Families
   Finally, the game is open to other adult visitors or families who aim to know more about UVA's history and culture by spending an educational and fun afternoon exploring this fascinating campus.