CES Product Scavenger Hunt: Research Skills for Tech-Savvy Students

Hook: Turn CES 2026 into a classroom lab for research skills

Teachers: short on prep time, juggling standards and devices, and hunting for age-appropriate tech lessons? Use the excitement around CES 2026 to teach real-world research skills and tech literacy. This teacher-ready scavenger hunt guides students to find CES 2026 products, evaluate claims, and present quick mini-reviews — all scaffolded so you can run it in one class period or across a week.

Why this activity works (most important first)

This scavenger hunt does three things at once:

• Builds research skills: Students practice source evaluation, fact-checking, and note-taking using live industry coverage from CES 2026.
• Teaches tech literacy: They learn to parse marketing language, spot plausible vs. hyperbolic claims, and consider ethics, privacy, and sustainability.
• Improves communication: Short, structured mini-reviews sharpen summarizing and presentation skills — perfect for busy classrooms.

What you’ll get in this guide

• Step-by-step lesson plan (45–90 minutes options)
• Teacher-ready scavenger hunt worksheet questions
• Mini-review presentation format and rubric
• Differentiation, assessment, and tech setup tips
• Extensions linked to current 2026 trends (AI, sustainability, XR)

The Evolution of CES and why CES 2026 matters for classrooms

CES has shifted from gadget spectacle to a showcase of emergent systems: embedded edge AI, multimodal interfaces, sustainable hardware, and health tech that blends wearables with cloud services. In late 2025 and early 2026, reporting on the show highlighted several trends teachers can use as classroom entry points: edge AI (models running on-device for privacy), augmented and mixed reality demos for learning, improvements in battery and charging tech, and a strong sustainability narrative from startups and major brands alike. These themes give students meaningful contexts to evaluate product claims, company messaging, and real-world impact.

Quick setup: What teachers need

• Devices with web access (1:1 or shared in pairs)
• Projected display or smartboard for demos
• Printable scavenger hunt worksheet (use digital copy for Google Classroom)
• List of 8–12 CES 2026 product links (teacher-prepared) or allow open web search with safety guardrails
• Timer for 60–90 second presentations

Step-by-step lesson plan (Two formats)

Single-period sprint (45–60 minutes)

1. (5 min) Launch: Share learning goals — research, evaluate, present. Show a headline about CES 2026 and ask: what questions would you ask about this product?
2. (10 min) Model: Project a CES 2026 product page. Walk through the worksheet questions and demonstrate quick source checks (look for specs, independent reviews, regulatory info).
3. (20 min) Research: Students (pairs) pick one product from your curated list and complete the scavenger hunt worksheet.
4. (8–12 min) Presentations: Each pair gives a 60–90 second mini-review (30–45 seconds pitch + 30–45 seconds Q&A from class).
5. (5 min) Debrief: Teacher highlights great examples of source evaluation and suggests follow-ups.

Extended format (3–5 lessons, deeper learning)

1. Lesson 1: Intro to CES 2026 trends and source evaluation strategies (CRAAP/lateral reading).
2. Lesson 2: Research day — students complete full scavenger worksheet and gather multimedia (images, video demos) — consider prepping students with a quick primer on lighting and product photography so screenshots and photos support clear presentations.
3. Lesson 3: Draft mini-review and peer feedback using a rubric.
4. Lesson 4: Final presentations (live or recorded) and class voting on most credible review, most skeptical reviewer, best sustainability rating, etc.
5. Lesson 5 (optional): Publish work to a class blog or assemble a digital zine of CES 2026 mini-reviews.

Teacher-Ready Scavenger Hunt Worksheet (Use as-is or adapt)

Give students this structured checklist. It keeps research focused and supports equal participation.

1. Product name & company: Exact model/name and maker.
2. Category & use case: What problem does it solve? Who is the user?
3. Key features & tech: List sensors, AI features, battery, connectivity (Wi‑Fi, 5G, Bluetooth), and interoperability.
4. Claims the company makes: Copy one paragraph of marketing language.
5. Evidence for claims: Find at least one independent review, benchmark, or spec sheet. Does the evidence support the claim?
6. Price & availability: MSRP, expected ship date, markets.
7. Privacy & safety notes: Does the product collect data? Are there privacy statements, model cards, or security certifications?
8. Sustainability: Any eco-claims (recycled materials, energy efficiency, carbon labels)? Are they verified?
9. Who benefits / Who might be harmed: Consider accessibility, bias, environmental impact.
10. Source list: At least 3 links (manufacturer page, independent review, news coverage).
11. Quick rating: 1–5 stars for usefulness, trustworthiness, and likelihood to buy.
12. 30-second pitch: Student writes a 30-second elevator pitch and a 30-second concern statement (why be cautious).

Mini-Review Presentation: Structure and timing

Keep it short and focused. A strict time limit trains precision and public speaking under pressure.

• 60–90 seconds total
• First 30–45s: Clear description (product, company, one standout feature, who it’s for, quick rating)
• Next 30–45s: Evidence & critical take (one supporting source + one concern about claims/privacy/sustainability)
• Optional: 30s Q&A from peers (if time allows)

Presentation rubric (teacher-friendly, 10 points)

• Content accuracy & evidence (4 points): Clear facts, 2+ sources, credible evidence.
• Critical thinking (2 points): Identifies at least one limitation or risk.
• Clarity & timing (2 points): Within time limit, organized speech.
• Engagement & sources cited (2 points): Uses images/video or links; cites sources verbally or in a slide.

Assessment & Differentiation

Make this activity accessible and rigorous across grade levels.

• Middle school (grades 6–8): Simplify worksheet to 6 questions: product name, use case, 2 features, one independent source, privacy concern, 30s pitch. Pair students and give choice lists.
• High school (grades 9–12): Expect deeper source triangulation (manufacturer, tech press, regulatory/standards info). Add requirement to compare two competing CES 2026 products.
• ELL & special education supports: Provide sentence starters for pitches, translated keyword lists, and allow video-based presentations.
• Advanced learners: Ask for a short comparative analysis of market readiness or a mini risk-benefit analysis (supply chain, cost, policy implications).

Teach tech literacy: Practical source-evaluation moves

Students need concrete heuristics, not abstract rules. Teach these quick moves:

1. Lateral reading: Open a second tab and search the product name + “review”, “independent test”, or “recall” before trusting the vendor page.
2. Check for tests: Look for benchmark data or lab testing in reputable outlets (e.g., independent tech press such as Wired, The Verge, CNET — teach students to compare multiple outlets).
3. Watch for specific specs: Vague claims (“longer battery life”) are weaker than specific ones (“up to 20 hours in mixed use, 60W charging”).
4. Privacy and regulatory flags: Terms of service, model cards, CE/FCC badges, and explicit data deletion policies matter for IoT and AI products.
5. Cross-check sustainability claims: Look for third-party certifications (recycled content verification, ENERGY STAR, carbon labels) and lifecycle info.

"Teaching students how to read a spec sheet or spot a missing privacy statement is as important as teaching them how to write an essay." — Classroom-tested approach

Sample teacher-curated CES 2026 product categories (use these for safe, relevant choices)

Rather than open web chaos, pick 8–12 items from these categories. Include a mix of major brands and startups so students compare polish vs. prototype claims.

• AI-powered earbuds or translators (edge AI emphasis)
• Compact AR/MR headsets aimed at education or enterprise
• Sustainable consumer electronics (recycled materials, modular phones)
• Wellness wearables that claim clinical-grade monitoring
• Home robotics (cleaning, caregiving companions)
• Next-gen batteries and fast-charging infrastructure
• Smart home devices with local AI and privacy-focused design
• Accessibility tech showcased at CES 2026 (e.g., real-time captioning wearables)

Tip: In late 2025 and early 2026 many companies began posting detailed model cards and privacy summaries at CES booths — use those as primary sources to teach transparency evaluation.

Digital tools and templates

Use these platforms to streamline student work and make presentations easy:

• Google Slides/Docs — share editable worksheets and let students drop links and screenshots.
• Padlet or Jamboard — quick visual boards for product summaries and links.
• Flip (formerly Flipgrid) — record 60–90s video mini-reviews for asynchronous sharing.
• Loom or Screencastify — capture student walkthroughs of product pages.

Extensions & cross-curricular ties

• Science: Investigate the chemistry of new battery technologies or energy efficiency claims.
• Math: Compare specs and pricing — calculate cost-per-feature or energy cost savings.
• ELA: Publish a class tech column with editorial standards and source citations.
• Social Studies: Discuss policy implications (privacy laws, AI regulation) seen at CES 2026.
• Art & Design: Create mock product packaging that communicates sustainability accurately.

Common classroom challenges (and quick solutions)

• Students get overwhelmed by jargon: Provide a glossary card and encourage dictionary or short explainer searches.
• Unreliable sources pop up: Require at least one independent review and one vendor page for claims.
• Device shortages: Partner students in triads and rotate devices; use projector demos for modeling.
• Time runs out during presentations: Strict timer and a “one-chime” warning — practice concise speaking with lightning rounds.

Sample scoring checklist for teachers

• Worksheet completeness (6 pts): All required questions answered with URLs.
• Evidence quality (6 pts): Sources include one vendor, one independent review/news outlet, and one supplementary source.
• Presentation (6 pts): Within time, clear pitch, one risk identified.
• Reflection (2 pts): Student writes one sentence on how the product could affect users and one sentence on ethical/privacy concerns.

Real-world outcomes to track

Use this activity to collect measurable evidence of growth:

• Pre/post surveys on confidence with online research and evaluating sources.
• Rubric scores across multiple rounds — look for improvements in evidence quality and critical thinking.
• Published student mini-reviews on a class site or newsletter to showcase progress and amplify audience feedback.

Why this matters in 2026

Emerging regulations and the proliferation of AI-powered consumer products mean students will increasingly encounter persuasive product claims powered by complex technologies. By using CES 2026 as a timely, real-world corpus, you’re helping students translate curiosity about innovation into disciplined inquiry. They leave with transferable skills: evaluating sources, understanding tech tradeoffs, and communicating clearly — skills that matter across careers and civic life.

Final checklist for teachers (ready-to-print)

• Curate 8–12 CES 2026 product links (save PDFs or screenshots in case pages change)
• Prepare printable or digital scavenger hunt worksheets
• Decide on presentation format (live or recorded) and set a strict timer
• Pre-teach one or two source-evaluation moves (lateral reading, checking for certifications)
• Plan a short debrief and next-step assignment (publish or compare competitors)

Call to action

Ready to try this with your students? Publish to a class blog, download the ready-to-print scavenger hunt worksheet and presentation rubric from our teacher resource pack, adapt the curated CES 2026 product list for your class, and run the sprint today. Share student mini-reviews with the #CESClassroom tag and join our teacher community for more lesson-ready tech literacy activities.

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