Creating a Summer Escape Room Challenge in a Classroom

Theme: The Great Classroom Treasure Hunt

Storyline:

The students have discovered a hidden treasure map in their classroom. To find the treasure, they must solve a series of puzzles and challenges that lead them to the final prize. The journey is filled with clues hidden in familiar classroom items.

Materials Needed:

• Envelopes
• Index cards
• Markers
• Tape
• Scissors
• Books
• Pencils and erasers
• Globe or map
• Ruler
• Calculator
• Lockable box or container
• Small prizes (stickers, candies, pencils, etc.)

Creating a Summer Escape Room Challenge in a Classroom

Setup and Challenges:

1. Starting Clue:
Place the first clue inside an envelope and hide it in the teacher’s desk drawer. The clue could be a riddle like:
“Where does the teacher sit and plan?
Look there to start our treasure hunt, if you can.”

2. Puzzle 1: The Book Cipher:
Hide the next clue inside a book. Use an index card to write down the page number, line number, and word number. For example:
“Find the math book on the shelf,
Page 34, line 5, word 3.”
This clue could lead them to another clue hidden under a specific desk.

3. Puzzle 2: The Globe Hunt:
Place a clue on the globe or classroom map. It could be a sticky note with coordinates or a country name.
“Spin the globe and find Peru,
There, a clue is waiting for you.”

4. Puzzle 3: The Ruler Code:
Use a ruler to create a simple code. Write numbers corresponding to letters (e.g., A=1, B=2). Hide the next clue in the code.
“On the board, you will find,
A code that you must unwind:
18-5-1-4 – M-5 – 1-3-12-21-19-7″
(Translate to: READ ME AT LAST)

5. Puzzle 4: The Eraser Message:
Tape the next clue to the bottom of an eraser.
“Erase the mistakes,
To uncover the clue it takes.”

6. Puzzle 5: The Calculator Puzzle:
Use a calculator to spell out a clue. For example, 57734 upside down spells “hello.”
“Use the calculator on the table,
To read the number if you’re able: 55378″
(Which upside down reads as “BELL” – leading them to check the school bell or clock.)

7. Final Clue: The Lockbox Challenge:
The final clue leads them to a lockable box containing the treasure. The box can be opened by solving a simple math problem whose answer is the combination. For example:
“To open the box, solve this sum,
15 + 27, then you’ve won!”

Execution:

• Begin the challenge by gathering the students and explaining the storyline.
• Hand them the first clue and set a timer for added excitement.
• Allow students to work together, ensuring they communicate and collaborate to solve each puzzle.
• Guide them if they get stuck, but let them solve the puzzles as much as possible.

Treasure:

The treasure can be small prizes such as stickers, candies, or pencils. The lockbox can be a simple container or a decorated box to add to the excitement.

Celebrate the successful treasure hunt with a small reward ceremony. Encourage students to share their favorite parts and what they learned from the experience. This activity not only keeps them engaged but also promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in a fun, interactive way.

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