DESTINATIONS

Laser Tag Lesson Plan

Please note, this lesson plan was created by FieldTripDirectory.com as a general guide and is not specific to any particular venue listed on our site.

FUN FACTS

The idea for laser tag was born when creator George Carter III was watching a battle scene in the film Star Wars. What we once thought of as far-fetched future technology is now a widely played game. When firing a “shot: in laser tag, you see a laser beam, which is for affect only. What scores the actual hit or tag on your opponent is usually an infrared signal, similar to the signal used to change the channel from your television remote control. Think about other inventions that have seemed like fiction just 20 years ago. What types of technology might be invented 25 years in the future? Instead of taking the bus to laser tag, you could be saying, “Beam me up, Scotty!”

The U.S. military started experimenting with laser combat simulation for training, which inspired the toy lasers that were developed a few years later.

BEFORE YOU GO
– Call ahead to ask about age, height or fitness requirements, as well as necessary or recommended equipment.

– Check if the website offers printable lessons or worksheets.

– Discuss with students the importance of teambuilding and game playing.

WHAT TO WONDER
Ask: How does the game function? How does the laser “tag” the player?

Observe how your teammates react and interact. Remember to stay positive – everyone is different and brings a unique advantage to the team.

Describe how each team member contributes to the activity. Describe the rules and procedures of the game.

Opinion: What type of player are you – competitive, all about fun and the spirit of the team? What do you think about cheating during sports or games?

Compare everyone’s experience during the activity. What aspect was the hardest and why? What was the most fun?

Challenge students to predict the game outcome, to improve their skills by using basic math or physics concepts.

FOLLOW UP
Discuss the importance of teamwork or “playing the game.” In what other situations might you need these skills? Is it important to play by the rules? Why or why not?

Research the history of the game.

Project: Design and play a mini version of the game at your school, and challenge students to use basic math or physics to help.