A "treasure hunt" activity on powers (includes negative and fractional powers)

A treasure hunt activity for a class to attempt individually or in groups.

There are 24 questions, numbered from 1 to 24. Each group chooses a number from 1 to 24 at random (or you can assign them a start number), and this is the number of the first question they should attempt - this should be written in the top-left circle on their answer grid. Their answer to their first question should be a whole number from 1 to 24 - this should be written in the next circle on their grid and this is the number of the next question they should attempt. e.g. if a group starts on Q6 and they think the answer to Q6 is 13 then after Q6 they should attempt Q13 (and they should have 6 -> 13 on their answer grid).

If they answer the questions correctly they end up with the same chain of answers as on the solution, if they make a mistake they will repeat an earlier question and at that point you can decide how much help to give them sorting out their error(s).

This activity works best if you can stick the 24 questions around a large classroom or sports hall so the groups have to run around to find their next question. All the classes I've done these activities with have loved them.