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Why Escape Activities?
Escape rooms are so popular because they require people to work together to solve problems. It is so important for students to learn to work together to solve different mathematical and logical problems. It encourages them to listen to each other, try different ideas and work hard.The amazing thing about bringing escape room style activities to the classroom is that there are so many options. They can be used with any skill, in any subject area.
I’m going to dig into this 6th Grade Math End of Year Escape to show how this type of activity could become a fun addition to your classroom.
What makes this escape activity different?
This activity does not require the challenges to be completed in any particular order. In order for students to “escape” they simply have to find all 8 codes. This allows for (a) differentiation, (b) removal of challenges for time and (c) the ability for you to only make one copy of each challenge because as groups finish one challenge their next one can be whatever is available.
This escape room is NOT…
Even though this is an “End of Year” escape it is not a comprehensive, complete review of all the 6th grade standards. Math escapes do focus on content but the primary focus is on the collaboration and the problem solving. This activity should not be used for a year end test review but should be used as a fun way to wrap up the year or an engaging way to start 7th grade by reviewing old skills!
Is there a lot of work involved for the teacher?
I’m not going to lie, escape activities are not print and go resources for sure. They require prep on behalf of the teacher but they are guaranteed to get your students engaged. Take a look at this video if you want to peek inside the 6th Grade End of Year Math Escape. I go over all of the prep needed in detail. It is a 30 minute video so you’ll need time to get through it all!
What materials are needed?
Here’s the great thing – you don’t technically need ANY materials. WHAT? Other than paper and typical classroom materials (glue stick, scissors, a ruler), manila folders, a metal paper fastener/brad and a mirror, you aren’t required to have anything else.
There are three ways to “escape”. The first TWO ways involve only the materials listed above. Students can either check their codes by themselves using a digital lock (a Google Drive file) or by having you check their code. It is as simple as that!
The third method does include a lock box, lockout hasp and a variety of different locks (four 4 digit, two 3 digit and two alpha) that require materials but once you purchase them, you can reuse them over and over again.
What activities are used in Math Escapes?
The activity options are almost endless! Any skill can be turned into an escape style activity as long as the answer(s) can somehow be converted to a code. This is possible using ciphers, decoders, etc. or simple letter/number coordination.
Students can put together puzzles, complete worksheets, decipher messages, complete word searches or crossword puzzles, color by number, etc. There really are SO many different opportunities.
If you wish to create an escape style activity for your class and you want one challenge to lead to another you’ll need to make sure the code from one challenge somehow leads students to the next. The Math Escapes I have created do not have linking challenges so they can be used without worrying about having to complete all challenges or complete them in a specific order.
Take a peek
This short video takes you inside my 6th Grade End of Year Math Escape so you can get an idea of the types of resources that are included.
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I have been wanting to create one myself! I have a variety of locks, the lockout, and the box. I am thinking this summer I will try to create a few. I would love to test run any of your escapes. I teach 7th and 8th grade regular and inclusion math.
I always wanted to try it but I teach in a special education school where each student works at their own pace. Whole class (6-8 students) instruction is usually done for IEP goals. Very interested in trying your lessons.
I was also worried about trying escape games in my special education classroom. So what I did was assign the challenges so I could give the students that needed more time the lesser challenges. Hope this helps 🙂
Very interested. Wondering about price. Can test in fifth or sixth grade.
I’ve never been to a real escape room. Is that an essential experience for me or my students in order to get this?
Hi Karen! I don’t think they (or you) need to have experience with a real escape room first.
Lindsay
I can’t wait to see this resource. I have been wanting something like this but didn’t want all of the difficulty of the typical escape boxes with locks. I’m so excited to see this!!
This is a great idea! I’m going to see if I can adapt it to my Algebra 2 class.
I tried clicking the link to your 30-minute video on how you created this resource, but it did not work. Can you send me the link directly?
The link didn’t work when the post was first up but it does now 🙂
Awesome, thank you!!
If you create one for Algebra 2, will you share it with me?
I won’t be creating for Algebra 2 but a friend of mine will. I’ll be sure to share when those (and other HS ones) are available!
What a great idea, so current! Any chance you would branch out and make one for Geometry? My high school kids would love it.
I haven’t taught HS Geometry so I don’t think I could go that high! 🙂 I have a friend who creates HS resources so maybe I can convince her to create and post one in her own store.
Lindsay
Was a geometry activity ever created?
Hi Jennifer! I don’t have content specific escapes just yet – working on end of year ones first. Content specific by grade level will start rolling out after the EOY ones are done!
I love your activities and I am so excited that you have created one of these Escape games. I teach 8th grade math and 8th grade Algebra 1. I hope you create some for those classes soon!! Thanks again.
I absolutely will be! So happy you are looking forward to it!
I teach high school and was wondering if I purchase this, is it adaptable (comes in an editable form)? I love the idea but it doesn’t fit to my curriculum.
Hi Kimberly,
Because of the nature of this resource (all of the pieces needing to align and problems needing to have certain answers for the codes to work) there really is no way for me to make it editable. If you want to email me and share your standards with me I’ll see if I may be able to make one that would work.
Lindsay
Would love to try this with my low ability Year 10 class.
My students have been begging me to do one as their social studies teacher does them all the time. Only problem was the ones I bought were not very user friendly so I was planning on working on one over the summer. I think yours looks amazing just like all your other products. Thank you!! Looking forward to others as I am teach all three middle school math levels including Algebra.
Thanks so much Lourdes! I put a lot of time in trying to make the directions clear and the prep minimal so it was as teacher-friendly as possible.
I would love to modify this for Special Education. I teach Life Skills, but this could be converted into so many different things! Odd One Out challenge usinv picture based code, simple math using calculators, money riddles to guess the coin type, what material/ingredient is needed for cooking using recipes for guides if needed to see what’s missing, laundry sorting, and the list goes on! Love that it aims to improve team building skills.
I’ve done escape room activities at the end of the year for 2 years in a row! My students absolutely love them!! I look forward to seeing your take on these activities.
Do you have one for 8th grade math?
Soon!
Can you explain the digital lock in Google Drive, or provide a link for a better explanation?
Hi Cheri,
The digital lock is for students with computer access and definitely doesn’t have to be used. When you click the link in the PDF file after you purchase, you’ll have to make a copy to your own drive. Then you’ll either need to click the “view” (eyeball) button or SEND where you can send to students via email. They’ll put their codes in one at a time and click Check. It’ll let them know if they are correct without revealing the correct answer. Once students have all codes correct, they can send it back to you or just show it to you. Hope that helps!
Lindsay
Thanks for sharing this, I have used digital escape rooms recently. For my upper level students they seem to work fine, but I think for the lower level, RTI, students I need to go back to pencil and paper. This will be a great guide.
Do you use one lock box for the entire class? Or one box for each group? What do you put in it – like a treat or something? Thanks!
You can use them in whatever way you want. You can put inside treats or homework passes… it is up to you!