Geometry Escape Room: Design and Conquer
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use our knowledge of coordinate geometry to design an engaging and challenging escape room experience?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can geometric principles enhance the design and functionality of an escape room?
- How do slope, distance, and midpoint formulas apply to real-world spatial problem-solving within the escape room context?
- In what ways can understanding parallel and perpendicular lines be used to create challenging puzzles in an escape room?
- How can fractional distances and coordinate systems be used to create and solve puzzles?
- How does coordinate geometry help in optimizing the layout and flow of an escape room?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Apply distance, slope, and midpoint formulas to verify geometric relationships.
- Determine equations of parallel and perpendicular lines.
- Determine coordinates of fractional distances on a line segment.
- Design an engaging and challenging escape room experience using coordinate geometry principles.
- Utilize geometric principles to enhance the design and functionality of an escape room.
- Apply slope, distance, and midpoint formulas to real-world spatial problem-solving within the escape room context.
- Use parallel and perpendicular lines to create challenging puzzles.
- Apply fractional distances and coordinate systems to create and solve puzzles.
- Optimize the layout and flow of an escape room using coordinate geometry
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Enigmatic Artifact
**Mystery Artifact:** Present students with a locked box containing a strange artifact (a geometrical puzzle piece). The only way to open it is by solving a series of geometrical problems related to distance, slope, and midpoint, sparking their curiosity about the artifact's purpose and the need for geometrical skills in unlocking its secrets.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Formula Mastery Challenge
Students will begin by mastering the fundamental formulas necessary for the escape room design. This activity focuses on applying the distance, slope, and midpoint formulas to solve geometric problems.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 worksheet with solved problems demonstrating the correct application of distance, slope, and midpoint formulas, along with a brief explanation of when each formula is most useful.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with GEO.A.1 (Derive and use the distance, slope, and midpoint formulas to verify geometric relationships) and learning goals related to applying these formulas to real-world problems.Parallel & Perpendicular Puzzle Design
This activity requires students to apply their knowledge of parallel and perpendicular lines to solve puzzles. Students will determine equations of lines that meet specific criteria.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 set of puzzle cards, each requiring the determination of an equation for a parallel or perpendicular line. Each card should include a solution on the back.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCorresponds with GEO.A.2 (Determine an equations of a line parallel or perpendicular to a given line) and learning goals involving the use of parallel and perpendicular lines to create puzzles.Fractional Distance Navigator
Students will explore how to find the coordinates of a point at a given fractional distance along a line segment. This skill is critical for designing puzzles that involve spatial reasoning and coordinate manipulation.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 guide that details the process of finding fractional distances on line segments, including example problems and solutions. It should also include a section on how this concept can be applied in creating escape room puzzles.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses GEO.A.3 (Determine the coordinates of a point that is a given fractional distance) and supports learning goals related to using coordinate systems to create and solve puzzles.Geometric Puzzle Architect
In this activity, students will design a mini-puzzle that incorporates at least two of the geometric concepts learned (distance, slope, midpoint, parallel/perpendicular lines, fractional distances).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 design document for a mini-puzzle, including the puzzle's objective, the geometric principles involved, the steps to solve it, and a solution key. A physical prototype of the puzzle is optional but encouraged.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates GEO.A.1, GEO.A.2, and GEO.A.3, fostering the learning goals of designing an engaging escape room experience using geometric principles.Escape Room Grand Design
Students will combine all their acquired knowledge and skills to design a complete escape room plan. This includes mapping out the room's layout, detailing the puzzles, and ensuring a logical flow that incorporates geometric principles.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 comprehensive escape room design plan, including a detailed room layout, descriptions of each puzzle (including objectives, geometric principles, solution steps, and solution keys), and an explanation of the room's overall theme and narrative.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsComprehensive alignment with all standards and learning goals, focusing on the design, functionality, and optimization of the escape room using coordinate geometry.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEscape Room Geometry Rubric
Formula Mastery
Assesses the student's mastery and application of distance, slope, and midpoint formulas.Formula Application
Accuracy and application of distance, slope, and midpoint formulas in solving geometric problems.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates flawless accuracy in applying all three formulas and provides innovative solutions to complex problems.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates accurate application of all three formulas and solves problems effectively.
Developing
2 PointsShows some understanding of the formulas but makes occasional errors in application.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply the formulas and makes frequent errors.
Explanation of Usefulness
Quality and clarity of the explanation of when each formula is most useful.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful explanation, demonstrating a deep understanding of the applications of each formula.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and accurate explanation of when each formula is most useful.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic explanation but lacks depth and clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an incomplete or unclear explanation.
Problem Solving Accuracy
Completeness and correctness of solved problems.
Exemplary
4 PointsAll problems are solved correctly and thoroughly, demonstrating a mastery of the concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsMost problems are solved correctly, with only minor errors.
Developing
2 PointsSome problems are solved correctly, but there are significant errors or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsFew or no problems are solved correctly.
Parallel & Perpendicular Lines
Evaluates the student's understanding and application of parallel and perpendicular lines in puzzle design.Equation Accuracy
Correctness of the equations derived for parallel and perpendicular lines.
Exemplary
4 PointsAll equations are derived correctly and demonstrate an innovative approach to problem-solving.
Proficient
3 PointsAll equations are derived correctly and accurately.
Developing
2 PointsMost equations are correct, with only minor errors.
Beginning
1 PointsMany equations are incorrect or incomplete.
Solution Clarity
Clarity and accuracy of the solutions provided on the back of the puzzle cards.
Exemplary
4 PointsSolutions are exceptionally clear, accurate, and insightful, enhancing the puzzle's educational value.
Proficient
3 PointsSolutions are clear, accurate, and easy to understand.
Developing
2 PointsSolutions are understandable but may lack clarity or have minor inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsSolutions are difficult to understand or contain significant errors.
Puzzle Design
Creativity and challenge level of the puzzles designed.
Exemplary
4 PointsPuzzles are exceptionally creative, challenging, and effectively utilize the concepts of parallel and perpendicular lines.
Proficient
3 PointsPuzzles are creative, challenging, and appropriately utilize the concepts of parallel and perpendicular lines.
Developing
2 PointsPuzzles are somewhat creative but may lack challenge or have minor issues with the application of concepts.
Beginning
1 PointsPuzzles lack creativity and challenge, and/or do not effectively utilize the concepts of parallel and perpendicular lines.
Fractional Distance
Assesses the student's ability to calculate fractional distances and explain their application in escape room puzzles.Calculation Accuracy
Accuracy in calculating fractional distances on line segments.
Exemplary
4 PointsCalculations are flawlessly accurate and demonstrate an innovative approach to complex problems.
Proficient
3 PointsCalculations are consistently accurate and precise.
Developing
2 PointsCalculations are mostly accurate, with only minor errors.
Beginning
1 PointsCalculations contain significant errors or omissions.
Guide Clarity
Clarity and completeness of the guide explaining the process of finding fractional distances.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe guide is exceptionally clear, complete, and insightful, providing a comprehensive understanding of the process.
Proficient
3 PointsThe guide is clear, complete, and easy to understand.
Developing
2 PointsThe guide is understandable but may lack clarity or completeness.
Beginning
1 PointsThe guide is difficult to understand or incomplete.
Application in Escape Room
Effectiveness of the examples provided and the discussion on applying the concept in escape room puzzles.
Exemplary
4 PointsExamples are highly effective and the discussion is insightful and demonstrates an innovative approach to puzzle design.
Proficient
3 PointsExamples are effective and the discussion clearly demonstrates how the concept can be applied in escape room puzzles.
Developing
2 PointsExamples are adequate, but the discussion may lack depth or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsExamples are ineffective or the discussion is unclear.
Geometric Puzzle Design
Evaluates the student's ability to design a geometric puzzle.Puzzle Idea
Originality and feasibility of the puzzle idea.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe puzzle idea is highly original, feasible, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of geometric principles.
Proficient
3 PointsThe puzzle idea is original and feasible, demonstrating a good understanding of geometric principles.
Developing
2 PointsThe puzzle idea is somewhat original but may have feasibility issues or a limited understanding of geometric principles.
Beginning
1 PointsThe puzzle idea lacks originality and/or feasibility, and demonstrates a poor understanding of geometric principles.
Design Document
Clarity and completeness of the design document, including objective, geometric principles, solution steps, and solution key.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe design document is exceptionally clear, complete, and insightful, providing a comprehensive understanding of the puzzle's design and solution.
Proficient
3 PointsThe design document is clear, complete, and easy to understand.
Developing
2 PointsThe design document is understandable but may lack clarity or completeness.
Beginning
1 PointsThe design document is difficult to understand or incomplete.
Puzzle Prototype
Functionality and difficulty of the puzzle prototype (if created).
Exemplary
4 PointsThe puzzle prototype is highly functional, appropriately challenging, and effectively integrates geometric concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsThe puzzle prototype is functional, appropriately challenging, and integrates geometric concepts well.
Developing
2 PointsThe puzzle prototype has some functionality issues or is not appropriately challenging.
Beginning
1 PointsThe puzzle prototype is not functional or does not effectively integrate geometric concepts.
Escape Room Design
Assesses the student's ability to design a complete escape room plan using geometric principles.Layout Coherence
Coherence and logical flow of the escape room layout.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe escape room layout is exceptionally coherent, logical, and enhances the overall experience with an innovative design.
Proficient
3 PointsThe escape room layout is coherent and logical, providing a smooth and engaging experience.
Developing
2 PointsThe escape room layout has some coherence issues or logical gaps.
Beginning
1 PointsThe escape room layout is incoherent and lacks logical flow.
Geometric Integration
Integration of geometric principles in the puzzles and their solutions.
Exemplary
4 PointsGeometric principles are seamlessly integrated into the puzzles and their solutions, demonstrating a deep understanding and innovative application.
Proficient
3 PointsGeometric principles are well-integrated into the puzzles and their solutions.
Developing
2 PointsGeometric principles are integrated into some puzzles, but the integration is inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsGeometric principles are not effectively integrated into the puzzles.
Theme and Narrative
Clarity and creativity of the escape room's theme and narrative.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe theme and narrative are exceptionally clear, creative, and engaging, enhancing the overall escape room experience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe theme and narrative are clear, creative, and engaging.
Developing
2 PointsThe theme and narrative are somewhat clear but may lack creativity or engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsThe theme and narrative are unclear or uninspired.
Puzzle Completeness
Completeness and correctness of puzzle design, including objectives, solution steps and keys
Exemplary
4 PointsPuzzle design is complete, correct, and addresses all success criteria
Proficient
3 PointsPuzzle design is mostly complete and correct, with a few minor issues
Developing
2 PointsPuzzle design is missing key components and has some incorrect steps
Beginning
1 PointsPuzzle design is incomplete and incorrect