Middle School Math // DataScape Room (Data + Escape Room, get it?)

One of my favorite topics to teach is data and statistics because of the various ways to experience statistics, which is all around us. After learning how to solve for the mean, median, mode, and range for a data set of numbers, our class put our collaboration hats on and competed against the clock in an activity I dubbed DataScape Room (Data + Escape Room, get it?). The class was split up into groups of 3-4 students and each group were assigned roles: the runner, the storyteller, and the calculators. Each person was vital to the success of the group. They had 45 minutes to solve the puzzles by solving for mean, median, mode, and range. Each group started off on level 1. Once they think they solved it, the runner brings their recording sheet up to me for approval and, if correct, they gain access to the next level’s task. After completing the three levels, they receive the six-digit code to the iPad, which would reveal a spinning wheel. They spin the wheel to receive their prize (extra five minutes of recess, a snack for the group, free time on laptops, extra credit, etc.). 

What I observed was an unrelenting sense of perseverance from the start. As soon as the timer on the board began, groups started working diligently. Most groups worked together and divided up the tasks and problems to solve, which helped them move quicker. There were times, of course, when they were stumped. Each group was allowed three hints and they were told to use them wisely. Upon providing some feedback when they were stumped, the group responded to that feedback in a positive and urgent way. They were racing against the time, yes, but they were also motivated to solve for themselves and for each other. It was special to see them not back down when things got difficult! 

What contributed to the success of this activity were three things: (1) relaying the expectations before the activity starts. While we want students to explore, it is equally important to set ground rules for when students are supposed to go to the next level, what materials to use, how to collaborate, etc.; (2) sense of excitement and mystery was created by using the wheel-spin and the approval after each level - this got them to work diligently with a goal in mind; and (3) personally going through the motions beforehand. The night before this activity, I did the tasks from the perspective of a student. This way, I can anticipate any misconceptions, get a sense of the timing needed for it, and understand the flow of the activity. This helped things run smoothly. 

Students were proud of the work that they put in. Some of the groups did not make it to the spinning wheel, but they still worked down to the last second. And that is something to be proud of. Most of the comments from students were along the lines of, “I liked the challenge,” and “I liked how we were working together and sharing answers. That helped us figure things out quicker.” My bottom line recommendation: plan an escape room with any subject and any topic and you’ll see your students come alive!