Flood Resilience in the City of Cologne (FLOREC): an app-based Scientific Scavenger Hunt

This paper presents the development and implementation of the scientific scavenger hunt utilizing the Actionbound app, integrated into the module “Ecological and Social Risks” in the English-language master's degree programs “Natural Resources Management and Development” and “Integrated Water Resources Management” at TH Köln. The scavenger hunt, named FLOREC, aims to enhance the students' understanding of flood resilience in the city of Cologne through an engaging interdisciplinary approach. The scavenger hunt consists of four interactive learning units: (1) flood impacts, (2) flood risk modeling and assessment, (3) flood risk governance, and (4) flood risk mitigation. By combining gamification elements such as quizzes, points, and massions, the Actionbound app engages students in a dynamic learning experience. This hybrid model blends fieldwork, multimedia content, and collaborative tasks. This paper emphasizes the educational benefits of the scavenger hunt, which include increased engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. Challenges are also discussed.