Hands-on Learning, Escape Room Style
6th grade students in the Design Thinking rotation spent last Wednesday in an escape room-inspired challenge to “unlock the box.”
The challenge:
Use deductive reasoning skills in a series of clues from around the garden (our “escape room”) to unscramble three different locks on their toolboxes.
To solve these problems and navigate the challenge to the finish line, students had to rely on teamwork, communication, and in-the-moment problem solving skills. There were hints to use as a last resort, but students managed not to need hints for the most part by courageously supporting each other, listening when they needed to, and leading when they were called upon.
Middle school students work together.
Among the challenges were a jigsaw puzzle and the use of invisible ink. This was so challenging that even Ms. Parker was stumped on the last lock and had to read a hint!
Ultimately, boxes were opened and sweet prizes were enjoyed by all.
Thumbs up from Bentley Middle Schoolers (and Ms. Parker) on a great way to foster hands-on learning, community, and peer-to-peer teamwork all afternoon.
