This year our library has been facilitating Breakout Box experiences in various middle school and high school classrooms.
If you are unfamiliar with Breakout Boxes, they are very similar to the idea of an Escape Room--but in this case, participants are trying to "break into"a box.
First, participants are group together with a box. Breakout Box experiences have been subject centered, themed or random depending on the preferences of the teacher.
Once grouped, participants have a set amount of time to gather their clues and find the codes to open their locks. Locks consist of 3-4 digit numbered codes, 4-5 letter codes, directional codes, and/or keyed locks.
Sometimes the group is competing for a winning prize, while at other times, it's just a matter of bragging rights to be the first to open the box.
If you are unfamiliar with Breakout Boxes, they are very similar to the idea of an Escape Room--but in this case, participants are trying to "break into"a box.
First, participants are group together with a box. Breakout Box experiences have been subject centered, themed or random depending on the preferences of the teacher.
Once grouped, participants have a set amount of time to gather their clues and find the codes to open their locks. Locks consist of 3-4 digit numbered codes, 4-5 letter codes, directional codes, and/or keyed locks.
Sometimes the group is competing for a winning prize, while at other times, it's just a matter of bragging rights to be the first to open the box.
Groups often have various tools at their disposal. Sometimes it's a UV LED flashlight for invisible ink. Clues may include symbols/icons, mazes, scrambled words, riddles, or the solution to a problem or question.
Setting up a Breakout Box takes quite a bit of time and concentration. You can borrow Breakout Box plans and/or create your own. Either way, you have to simulate the breakout experience on your own to make sure the logistics pan out correctly. Also, it does take a significant amount of time to arrange the boxes and the locks.
The experience of the Breakout Box in the classroom or for a Professional Development is an extremely authentic learning moment. Team building skills are encouraged, and inference skills are Most participants really enjoy the challenge, and will remember the experience for days to come.
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