Middle School Sleuths Design and Test Breakout Rooms
Eighth grade students pondered, puzzled and played their way through a series of breakout rooms based on global historical events at IDEA Space on Wednesday, May 14.
Working in groups, they designed immersive breakout rooms that required research and problem solving skills, as well as utilization of the tools and technology available at IDEA Space. The popular activity, led by social science teacher Megan Culver and supported by middle school faculty and the educational team at IDEA Space, combined core curriculum with STEAM learning and the development of 21st century skills.
Students researched historical events including the Mayflower crossing, the Black Plague, the Boston Tea Party, Mayan civilization, Chinese dynasties and the mystery of the Roanoke Colony. They created intricate puzzles, riddles, games and clues designed to challenge their classmates not only to test their understanding of these events, but to escape the room successfully by working together on solutions. This active engagement encouraged deeper understanding of historical content while reinforcing essential skills like communication, collaboration and teamwork.
Students built their breakout rooms at IDEA Space, then rotated through each one to solve the challenges. The endgame was to determine the combination to unlock boxes and win the breakout. The experience was a powerful example of how interdisciplinary learning can make academic content meaningful and memorable—and fun. By merging history with hands-on design and interactive problem-solving, students not only explored the past—they also prepared for the future.
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Students researched historical events including the Mayflower crossing, the Black Plague, the Boston Tea Party, Mayan civilization, Chinese dynasties and the mystery of the Roanoke Colony. They created intricate puzzles, riddles, games and clues designed to challenge their classmates not only to test their understanding of these events, but to escape the room successfully by working together on solutions. This active engagement encouraged deeper understanding of historical content while reinforcing essential skills like communication, collaboration and teamwork.
Students built their breakout rooms at IDEA Space, then rotated through each one to solve the challenges. The endgame was to determine the combination to unlock boxes and win the breakout. The experience was a powerful example of how interdisciplinary learning can make academic content meaningful and memorable—and fun. By merging history with hands-on design and interactive problem-solving, students not only explored the past—they also prepared for the future.
