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.
RELATED: 30 LOW-COST BACKYARD GAMES FOR KIDS
Follow Parent Club for more tips on how to make life easier for busy families: Pinterest, X, Instagram, Facebook.
Comment and share with Parent Club!