START WITH THE “WHY”
Over the past couple of years, the Escape Room has become a form of live-action entertainment across the
United States. An escape room is a physical adventure competition in which players solve a series of
puzzles and riddles using clues, codes, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives at hand and
United States. An escape room is a physical adventure competition in which players solve a series of
puzzles and riddles using clues, codes, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives at hand and
“breakout” of a room. Each room has its own setting, secrets, storyline, and escape route.
Then came the “BreakoutEDU” box which brought “Escape Room” strategies to the classrooms focusing
on social studies, math, science and language skills. Infuse these understandings with 21st-century skills
(collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication), inquiry, character traits, growth mindset
and you get a lot of problem-solving techniques. Students make mistakes (remember “failure” is a good
thing), backtrack, take risks and try again moving from one clue to the next. The game also provides
students opportunities to grow as leaders, collaborative partners, and community.
on social studies, math, science and language skills. Infuse these understandings with 21st-century skills
(collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication), inquiry, character traits, growth mindset
and you get a lot of problem-solving techniques. Students make mistakes (remember “failure” is a good
thing), backtrack, take risks and try again moving from one clue to the next. The game also provides
students opportunities to grow as leaders, collaborative partners, and community.
MOVE TO THE “HOW”
Students came to the library with the excitement of playing the game and the engagement was
electrifying. Students were trying everything including hacking the locks. The team that realized
how important collaboration was to solving clues was able to breakout first. By scaffolding the
experiences with BreakoutEDU, students were able to determine success.
electrifying. Students were trying everything including hacking the locks. The team that realized
how important collaboration was to solving clues was able to breakout first. By scaffolding the
experiences with BreakoutEDU, students were able to determine success.
Scaffolding the Experiences:
1st: Students experienced BreakoutEDU
2nd: They reflected on their experience
3rd: Students returned for another BreakoutEDU Session
4th: Students created their own BreakoutEDU adventure
Things to keep in mind:
- Students found it easier to work backward when creating their "Breakout"
- Remind them to keep their audience in mind
- Student should create “how-to” videos (this helps you and them know how the game is played and solved)
NEXT COMES THE “WHEN”
BreakoutEDU can be used to introduce, reinforce, strengthen, and culminate a new lesson, concept,
or end of a unit in an engaging way. There is numerous subject areas and age ranges to choose
from (early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, and even adult). We even used the
boxes for an exciting staff meeting.
or end of a unit in an engaging way. There is numerous subject areas and age ranges to choose
from (early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, and even adult). We even used the
boxes for an exciting staff meeting.
THE “NOW”
Benefits of BreakoutEDU “Digital”
The Escape Rooms are evolving at a fast pace with technology now being used more frequently
which brings us to the newest concept - BreakoutEDU Digital.
which brings us to the newest concept - BreakoutEDU Digital.
- Students can work in groups or pairs
- No “pre-work” involved
https://platform.breakoutedu.com
https://platform.breakoutedu.com
Your turn to try it out... https://www.breakoutedu.com/digital/
Written by Sherrie McGovern & Tricia Schreck
@shmcgovern @btschreck
Keep track of combinations to the locks
Students create “how-to” videos
Teacher is the only one to set the directional lock
Work backwards
Remind students to consider their audience
Comments
Post a Comment