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Rock Cycle Science Escape Room

“At the end of a great trip visiting your family in California, you are looking through old family albums. You discover that your great-great-grandfather was caught up in the Gold Rush. Not only did he travel to California, but he discovered a massive vein of gold. He wanted to make sure no one had access to his treasure so he hid it well. He left a series of clues about rocks and minerals to ensure that only the most rock savvy person would have access to the treasure. Do you think you can figure out the clues?”

Immerse your students in a fun, engaging, learning experience with the Rock Cycle Escape Room! We have created a unique experience that will leave a lasting, positive impression on your students.
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Standards Covered:

  • NGSS – MS-ESS2-1 – Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
  • TEKS – 6.10 B – Classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary by the processes of their formation

Students will need to have an understanding of the rock cycle including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks in order to be successful with this escape room. They will also need to know the processes like weathering, erosion, compaction, cementation, heat & pressure, and cooling.

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How it works:

Unlike many escape rooms, the teacher is in total control on which of the 8 puzzles they want to use and in which order to use them. They are designed using modules, with each puzzle independent of the others. There are several ways to play the games, so the teacher will need to decide which approach is best for their students. You have the option to do as many or as few of the puzzles as you choose, in any order. This is great for differentiating, and for shorter or longer class periods. We recommend 5-6 puzzles for a 40 minute class period.
 

 

  • Break up the class into teams of 2-4 students
  • Play the challenge video provided
  • After deciding how many puzzles to use, give each group a separate manila envelope. Using manilla envelopes is the least expensive option. You can also use locks and boxes. Locks are not required to run this escape room, but it can provide a more authentic experience. A lockout hasp will save you from needing to buy multiple boxes per group.
  • The remaining puzzles stay in a different area where students can check them in and out
  • Start the timer!
  • The teacher will check their codes by the students writing them down on the provided answer sheet, or use the digital lock using Google Forms. More details on how to use this electronically are provided.
  • Once the students have solved the puzzles, they will open the last envelope containing their prize!
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Materials Needed:

The escape room can be run several different ways.

1. The least expensive option is to use manila envelopes for the puzzles. All the directions are provided. Each group will also need:
  • All printed materials (included)

2. For a more authentic escape room, each group will also need the following, instead of manila envelopes:

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Included in your purchase:

  • Teacher directions
  • Editable templates for the teacher to modify
  • Detailed answer key for each puzzle
  • Student answer key
  • Digital answer key (Google Form) that is great for 1:1 or Google Classrooms. Replaces paper answer key if you choose, but not necessary
  • Video challenge to set the mood for the challenge
  • 8 unique puzzles with all printable props
  • A list of over 50 ideas for prizes
  • Reward templates
  • 30 unique signs to hold up for the picture at the end (plus, editable template)
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You can purchase the Rock Cycle Escape Room here.

More science escape room products are being released. A completed bundle of 36 different escape rooms, covering a wide range of standards and concepts will be finished by August 2018. You can purchase the bundle at a 30% discount, and receive access to each escape room product as it is released!

Teachers are sharing their ideas and experiences using hashtags #keslerscience and #scienceescape on Twitter and Instagram, and on the Kesler Science Professional Learning Network on Facebook. See you there!

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