Carbon Cycle Escape Room: A Science Challenge
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an engaging escape room experience that educates players about the complexities of the carbon cycle, its disruption by human activities, and the potential consequences?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How is carbon stored in different reservoirs on Earth?
- What are the major processes that move carbon between these reservoirs?
- How do human activities impact the carbon cycle?
- What are the consequences of disrupting the carbon cycle?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the carbon cycle processes and reservoirs.
- Analyze the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle.
- Apply knowledge of the carbon cycle to design escape room puzzles.
- Evaluate the consequences of carbon cycle disruption.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Case of the Missing Carbon
A local farmer bursts into the classroom, distraught that all the carbon has disappeared from their farm, resulting in dead plants. They need the students to find out what happened and where the carbon went using their knowledge of the carbon cycle by completing the escape room.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Carbon Cycle Reservoirs: Mapping the Landscape
Students will identify and describe the major carbon reservoirs on Earth. This activity establishes a foundational understanding of where carbon is stored, which is crucial for understanding the cycle.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed map or diagram of Earth's carbon reservoirs, with descriptions of the carbon forms in each.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Understand the carbon cycle processes and reservoirs.Carbon's Journey: Process Flowchart
Students will trace the movement of carbon between reservoirs through various processes. This activity emphasizes the dynamic nature of the carbon cycle.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA flowchart depicting the carbon cycle, detailing the processes that transfer carbon between reservoirs.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Understand the carbon cycle processes and reservoirs.Human Impact Analysis: Carbon Cycle Disruptors
Students will investigate how human activities, such as deforestation and fossil fuel combustion, disrupt the carbon cycle. This activity connects human actions to environmental consequences.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report or presentation analyzing the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle, supported by data and evidence.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Analyze the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle and Evaluate the consequences of carbon cycle disruption.Escape Room Puzzle Design: Carbon Conundrums
Students will apply their knowledge of the carbon cycle to design puzzles for the escape room. This activity directly integrates learning with the project outcome.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of escape room puzzle designs, each focusing on a different aspect of the carbon cycle.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Apply knowledge of the carbon cycle to design escape room puzzles.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCarbon Cycle Escape Room Portfolio Rubric
Carbon Cycle Knowledge
Demonstrates understanding of carbon reservoirs, transfer processes, and the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle.Reservoir Identification & Description
Accurately identifies and describes the major carbon reservoirs (atmosphere, oceans, land, fossil fuels) and the forms of carbon found in each.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and describes all major carbon reservoirs with comprehensive details on carbon forms and their significance.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and describes most major carbon reservoirs with clear explanations of carbon forms.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some carbon reservoirs but lacks detailed descriptions of carbon forms.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify carbon reservoirs and provides minimal information about carbon forms.
Process Explanation
Explains the key processes that move carbon between reservoirs (photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, ocean exchange) and their impact on carbon levels.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplains all key processes with in-depth analysis of their roles and impacts on carbon levels in each reservoir.
Proficient
3 PointsExplains most key processes with clear descriptions of their roles and impacts on carbon levels.
Developing
2 PointsExplains some key processes but lacks detailed analysis of their roles and impacts.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to explain the key processes and their impact on the carbon cycle.
Human Impact Analysis
Analyzes the impact of human activities (deforestation, fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes) on the carbon cycle, supported by data and evidence.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive analysis of human impacts, supported by compelling data and insightful interpretation.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear analysis of human impacts, supported by relevant data and evidence.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies human impacts but provides limited data or evidence to support the analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify and analyze the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle.
Escape Room Puzzle Design
Demonstrates the ability to apply carbon cycle knowledge to design engaging and educational escape room puzzles.Puzzle Relevance
Puzzles are directly related to specific aspects of the carbon cycle (reservoirs, processes, human impacts).
Exemplary
4 PointsAll puzzles are highly relevant and creatively integrated with carbon cycle concepts, enhancing understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsMost puzzles are relevant and clearly connected to carbon cycle concepts.
Developing
2 PointsSome puzzles are related to the carbon cycle, but the connection is not always clear.
Beginning
1 PointsPuzzles are not clearly related to carbon cycle concepts.
Puzzle Engagement
Puzzles are engaging, challenging, and appropriate for the target audience, promoting active learning.
Exemplary
4 PointsPuzzles are exceptionally engaging and challenging, fostering deep learning and critical thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsPuzzles are engaging and appropriately challenging, promoting active learning.
Developing
2 PointsPuzzles are somewhat engaging but may lack challenge or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsPuzzles are not engaging and do not promote active learning.
Puzzle Clarity & Logic
Puzzle descriptions are clear, concise, and provide logical clues that lead to a correct solution.
Exemplary
4 PointsPuzzle descriptions are exceptionally clear and provide logical, well-structured clues that seamlessly lead to the solution.
Proficient
3 PointsPuzzle descriptions are clear and provide logical clues that lead to a correct solution.
Developing
2 PointsPuzzle descriptions are somewhat unclear or lack logical clues, making the solution difficult to reach.
Beginning
1 PointsPuzzle descriptions are confusing and lack logical clues, making the solution unattainable.