Created byAndrea Ingham

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Escape Room Challenge: System Solver

Grade 9Math1 days

In this project, students design an escape room centered around solving systems of equations using the substitution method. They translate real-world scenarios into mathematical models, create their own systems of equations with predetermined solutions to serve as clues, and integrate these puzzles into a cohesive and engaging escape room experience. The project culminates in a detailed blueprint of the escape room, showcasing the layout, puzzle locations, and integration of systems of equations. Students reflect on their learning and the challenges they faced during the design process.

Systems of EquationsSubstitution MethodEscape Room DesignReal-World ScenariosMathematical ModelingProblem-SolvingCreative Design

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an engaging escape room that uses the power of systems of equations to model real-world scenarios and challenge participants to solve them using substitution?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How can substitution be used to solve systems of equations?
How can systems of equations be used to model real-world scenarios?
How can you represent mathematical concepts in a creative and engaging way?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to solve systems of linear equations using substitution.
Students will be able to apply systems of equations to model real-world scenarios.
Students will be able to design an engaging escape room experience.

Common Core Standards

A-REI.C.6

Primary

Solve systems of linear equations exactly and approximately (e.g., with graphs), focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables.Reason: Directly assesses the ability to solve systems of equations.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Mystery Message

Students receive a coded message that can only be deciphered by solving a system of equations. The message hints at a larger challenge, immediately hooking them into the escape room theme and the need to master the math skills.

The Locked Box Challenge

A locked box appears in the classroom. Inside, a note explains that the box contains essential 'escape room' design tools, but it can only be opened by solving a challenging system of equations displayed on the box itself. This creates immediate buy-in for designing their own escape room.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Substitution Station: The Basics

Students will learn and practice the substitution method for solving systems of equations through guided examples and practice problems.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review the concept of solving for a variable in a single equation.

2. Introduce the substitution method with a step-by-step example.

3. Provide practice problems where students solve systems of equations using substitution.

4. Offer immediate feedback and corrections to ensure understanding.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA worksheet with completed substitution problems demonstrating proficiency in the method.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsA-REI.C.6 (Solve systems of linear equations exactly...focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables.) - Focuses on the foundational skill of solving systems of equations using substitution.

Activity 2

Scenario Solver: Real-World Models

Students will translate real-world scenarios into systems of equations and solve them using substitution.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Present various real-world scenarios (e.g., mixture problems, distance-rate-time problems).

2. Guide students in identifying variables and writing equations to represent each scenario.

3. Solve the systems of equations using substitution.

4. Interpret the solutions in the context of the original scenarios.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of word problems translated into systems of equations with solutions and interpretations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsA-REI.C.6 (Solve systems of linear equations exactly...focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables.) - Applies the skill of solving systems of equations to real-world contexts.

Activity 3

Clue Creator: Equation Design

Students will design their own systems of equations with specific solutions that can be used as clues in the escape room.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Define target solutions (e.g., coordinates, numbers) that will serve as clues.

2. Create systems of equations that yield the target solutions when solved using substitution.

3. Check the systems of equations to ensure they are solvable and have the correct solutions.

4. Refine the equations to increase difficulty or relevance to the escape room theme.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of self-designed systems of equations with corresponding solutions, ready to be used as escape room clues.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsA-REI.C.6 (Solve systems of linear equations exactly...focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables.) - Reinforces understanding by requiring students to create their own systems, ensuring they grasp the relationship between equations and solutions.

Activity 4

Escape Architect: Room Blueprint

Students will plan the layout and design of their escape room, incorporating the systems of equations as part of the puzzles.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Brainstorm the overall theme and narrative of the escape room.

2. Sketch a layout of the escape room, including different stations or puzzle areas.

3. Incorporate the previously created systems of equations as clues within the puzzles.

4. Design the puzzles around the solutions to the systems of equations, ensuring a logical flow.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint of the escape room, showing the layout, puzzle locations, and integration of the systems of equations clues.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to design an engaging escape room experience. - Focuses on the practical application of mathematical skills in a creative design project.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

System Solver Escape Room Challenge Rubric

Category 1

Mathematical Accuracy: Substitution Station & Scenario Solver

This category assesses the student's ability to accurately solve systems of linear equations using the substitution method in both abstract and real-world contexts.

Criterion 1

Accuracy of Solutions

Demonstrates the ability to correctly solve systems of equations using substitution, showing each step clearly and arriving at the correct solution.

Exemplary

4 Points

Consistently solves systems of equations correctly and efficiently, showing all steps clearly and accurately. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the substitution method and its application.

Proficient

3 Points

Solves most systems of equations correctly using substitution, showing most steps clearly. Demonstrates a good understanding of the method.

Developing

2 Points

Solves some systems of equations correctly using substitution, but may make minor errors or omit steps. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the method.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to solve systems of equations correctly using substitution, making significant errors or missing key steps. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the method.

Criterion 2

Application to Real-World Scenarios

Effectively translates real-world problems into systems of equations and solves them accurately, interpreting the solutions in the context of the original problem.

Exemplary

4 Points

Consistently and accurately translates complex real-world scenarios into systems of equations, solves them correctly, and interprets the solutions with insightful explanations.

Proficient

3 Points

Accurately translates real-world scenarios into systems of equations, solves them correctly, and interprets the solutions in the context of the problem.

Developing

2 Points

Translates real-world scenarios into systems of equations with some inaccuracies, solves them with occasional errors, and provides a basic interpretation of the solutions.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to translate real-world scenarios into systems of equations, makes significant errors in solving them, and provides a limited or inaccurate interpretation of the solutions.

Category 2

Creative Equation Design: Clue Creator

This category assesses the student's ability to design original systems of equations with predetermined solutions for use as clues in the escape room.

Criterion 1

Originality and Accuracy of Designed Equations

Creates unique and mathematically sound systems of equations that yield the target solutions when solved using substitution.

Exemplary

4 Points

Designs highly original and complex systems of equations that yield the target solutions accurately and efficiently. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between equations and solutions.

Proficient

3 Points

Designs original systems of equations that yield the target solutions accurately. Demonstrates a strong understanding of the relationship between equations and solutions.

Developing

2 Points

Designs systems of equations that generally yield the target solutions, but may contain minor errors or lack originality. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the relationship between equations and solutions.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to design systems of equations that yield the target solutions accurately. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the relationship between equations and solutions.

Criterion 2

Relevance to Escape Room Theme

Creates systems of equations whose solutions can logically serve as clues within the context of the escape room's narrative and theme.

Exemplary

4 Points

Designs equations that are highly relevant and creatively integrated into the escape room theme, enhancing the overall narrative and puzzle flow.

Proficient

3 Points

Designs equations that are relevant to the escape room theme and logically serve as clues within the puzzles.

Developing

2 Points

Designs equations with some relevance to the escape room theme, but the connection to the puzzles may be weak or unclear.

Beginning

1 Points

Designs equations with limited or no relevance to the escape room theme, making it difficult to integrate them logically into the puzzles.

Category 3

Escape Room Design & Blueprint: Escape Architect

This category assesses the student's ability to design a cohesive and engaging escape room experience, effectively integrating the systems of equations as clues within the puzzles.

Criterion 1

Coherence of Design

Creates a logical and well-organized escape room blueprint with a clear flow between puzzles and a compelling narrative.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a highly coherent and innovative escape room design with a seamless flow between puzzles, a captivating narrative, and a clear sense of progression. The design demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and user experience.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates a logical and well-organized escape room design with a clear flow between puzzles and a compelling narrative.

Developing

2 Points

Creates an escape room design with some logical connections between puzzles, but the flow may be uneven or the narrative underdeveloped.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to create a coherent escape room design, with a disjointed flow between puzzles and a weak or absent narrative.

Criterion 2

Integration of Systems of Equations

Effectively integrates the designed systems of equations as clues within the escape room puzzles, ensuring they are solvable and contribute to the overall challenge.

Exemplary

4 Points

Seamlessly integrates the designed systems of equations into the escape room puzzles, creating a challenging and rewarding experience for participants. The equations are cleverly incorporated and essential to solving the puzzles.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively integrates the designed systems of equations as clues within the escape room puzzles, ensuring they are solvable and contribute to the overall challenge.

Developing

2 Points

Integrates the designed systems of equations into the escape room puzzles with some success, but the connection may be weak or the puzzles may be too easy or too difficult.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to integrate the designed systems of equations effectively into the escape room puzzles, resulting in a disjointed and frustrating experience for participants.

Criterion 3

Creativity and Engagement

The escape room design demonstrates creativity and originality, with the ability to engage participants, utilizing the mathematical concepts in the design.

Exemplary

4 Points

The escape room design demonstrates creativity, originality, and innovation, and has a high probability of engaging participants in the experience.

Proficient

3 Points

The escape room design demonstrates creativity and originality, with the ability to engage participants.

Developing

2 Points

The escape room design demonstrates limited creativity, engagement may be low for participants.

Beginning

1 Points

The escape room design lacks creativity and originality, and does not engage participants.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How did your understanding of solving systems of equations using substitution evolve as you designed the escape room?

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Required

Question 2

To what extent do you agree with the statement: 'Designing an escape room helped me understand how systems of equations can model real-world scenarios'?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which part of the escape room design process was most challenging?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Creating the systems of equations

Designing the puzzles

Integrating the math into the narrative

Sketching the room layout

Question 4

How effectively did you incorporate the systems of equations into the escape room puzzles to create a logical flow?

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Required