Escape Room

Purpose: To create an engaging, interdisciplinary escape room experience that combines math, language arts, science, and social studies. This activity encourages problem-solving and teamwork in a fun and educational way.

Materials Required:

• Printable puzzles and clues (templates included)
• A small lockable box or container (optional)
• Paper and pens
• Basic props (e.g., colored paper, household items, books)
• Timer (optional)
• Small rewards (e.g., stickers, treats)

Instructions: 

Set the stage

1. Theme Selection:

• Theme: “The Great Mystery of the Living Room.”
• Storyline: A treasure has been hidden in the living room, and participants must solve various puzzles related to different subjects to find it.

2. Prepare the Puzzles and Clues:

• Create or print the following puzzles.
• Hide each clue in a location that is linked to the answer of the previous challenge.

Detailed Challenges:

1. Challenge 1: Math Challenge

Objective: Solve a simple math problem to find the first clue.

• Math Problem: “If you have 5 apples and you get 3 more, how many apples do you have?”
• Solution: 8 apples

• Clue Placement: Write “8” on a note and hide it under a chair or inside a drawer labeled with the number 8.
• Instructions: Explain to the participants that solving this math problem will guide them to the next clue. They need to look for the number 8.

Challenge 2: Language Arts Riddle

Objective: Solve a riddle related to language arts to find the next clue.

• Riddle: “I have keys but open no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter but can’t go outside. What am I?”
• Solution: A keyboard.
• Clue Placement: Place the next clue near or under a keyboard or a book about technology.
• Instructions: Let the participants know that solving this riddle will lead them to the next clue, which is hidden near a keyboard or technology book.

Challenge 3: Science Discovery

Objective: Conduct a simple science experiment to reveal a hidden message.

• Puzzle Details:
• Experiment: Write a message with baking soda on white paper. Cover the paper with vinegar to reveal the hidden message.
• Materials Needed: Baking soda, vinegar, white paper.
• Hidden Message Example: “LOOK UNDER THE PLANT.”
• Clue Placement: Hide the next clue under a houseplant or in a similar location as indicated by the message.
• Instructions: Show participants how to conduct the experiment and explain that the hidden message will tell them where to find the next clue.

Challenge 4: Social Studies Quiz

Objective: Answer a simple social studies question to find the final clue.

• Puzzle Details:
• Question: “What is the capital city of the United States?”
• Answer: Washington, D.C.
• Clue Placement: Write “WASHINGTON, D.C.” on a note and place it in a location related to the capital, such as a globe or map of the U.S.
• Instructions: Inform participants that answering this question will guide them to the final clue location.

Final step

Unlock the Box (optional):

• Use the clues collected from each challenge to determine the combination or key to open the lockable container.
• Inside the box, place a small reward or token of completion.

1. Timing: Set a timer for added excitement if desired, but ensure it’s manageable for the kids.
2. Hints: Be ready to give hints if the kids are stuck on a challenge. Keep it fun and encouraging.
3. Debriefing: After the activity, gather the kids to discuss what they enjoyed and learned. Highlight the connections between the different subjects used in the puzzles.

1. Create Your Own Puzzles: Encourage kids to design their own simple interdisciplinary puzzles using the subjects they’ve learned.
2. Additional Challenges: Add more puzzles or variations to keep the activity engaging for longer.

• Celebrate their success with small rewards like stickers, treats, or certificates. It’s a great way to acknowledge their effort and completion of the escape room.