Revolutionary Escape Room: Key Events of American Revolution
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 causes and key events of the American Revolution, focusing on the roles and impacts of individuals, groups, and Kentucky settlers during this period?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What were the main causes of the American Revolution?
- How did various individuals and groups influence or contribute to the American Revolution?
- What role did Kentucky settlers play in the American Revolution and how were they affected by it?
- How did conflict and collaboration among different groups shape the founding of the United States?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and explain the main causes of the American Revolution.
- Students will demonstrate understanding of the roles of key individuals and groups in the American Revolution by creating engaging narratives for the escape room.
- Students will analyze the specific contributions and experiences of Kentucky settlers during the American Revolution.
- Students will design puzzles and challenges that illustrate the impact of conflict and collaboration among various groups during the American Revolution.
Teacher-Specified Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsDigital Revolution Quest
Using an augmented reality app, students embark on a quest through their school, uncovering hidden historical clues that reveal the struggles and triumphs of various individuals during the Revolution, eventually leading them to create unique puzzles for their escape room project.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.History Detective Files
In this activity, students play the role of history detectives to gather and analyze primary and secondary sources about the American Revolution. They will focus on understanding the causes and effects of the revolution, particularly the roles individuals and groups played.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 compiled dossier with detailed information on the chosen figure or group, including their role in the American Revolution.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 5.H.CE.1 as it requires analyzing the causes and effects individuals and groups had on the American Revolution.Kentucky Settlers' Chronicles
In this engaging activity, students craft compelling narratives about the Kentucky settlers during the American Revolution. They explore the settlers’ experiences and contributions, bringing their stories to life.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 well-researched narrative detailing the experiences and contributions of a Kentucky settler during the American Revolution.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 5.H.KH.1 by describing the role of Kentucky settlers in the American Revolution.Conflict and Collaboration Challenge
This hands-on activity allows students to design puzzles and challenges for their escape room. The puzzles must reflect the themes of conflict and collaboration in the founding of the US.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 creative escape room puzzle or challenge that depicts historical conflicts and collaborations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 5.H.CO.1 by focusing on the role conflict and collaboration played during the American Revolution.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioRevolutionary Escape Room Assessment Rubric
Research & Historical Understanding
Assesses the depth of historical knowledge and research quality regarding American Revolution figures and events.Accuracy of Historical Information
Evaluates the accuracy and completeness of information presented about historical figures and events.
Exemplary
4 PointsAll information provided is accurate, comprehensive, and well-cited, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of historical content.
Proficient
3 PointsMost information is accurate and well-cited, showing a thorough understanding of historical content.
Developing
2 PointsSome accurate information is presented, though there may be minor inaccuracies or gaps in citations.
Beginning
1 PointsInformation presented contains several inaccuracies or lacks proper citation, indicating a limited understanding of historical content.
Use of Primary and Secondary Sources
Measures the ability to effectively utilize and integrate a range of historical sources into the work.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates extensive use of a variety of primary and secondary sources, expertly integrated into the research.
Proficient
3 PointsUses multiple primary and secondary sources with good integration into the research.
Developing
2 PointsUtilizes some primary and secondary sources, but integration into research is limited or uneven.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited use of sources, with poor integration into the research.
Creative Design & Problem Solving
Assesses creativity and problem-solving skills in designing engaging and educational escape room activities.Engagement and Creativity
Evaluates the level of creativity and engagement in the design of escape room puzzles and themes.
Exemplary
4 PointsEscape room elements are highly creative, original, and engaging, significantly enhancing educational value.
Proficient
3 PointsPuzzles and themes are creative and engaging, contributing to the educational experience.
Developing
2 PointsDesign shows some creativity, but lacks engagement or originality is limited.
Beginning
1 PointsDesign is unoriginal or lacks creativity, offering minimal educational engagement.
Effectiveness of Puzzle Design
Measures how well the puzzles reflect historical events and foster critical thinking.
Exemplary
4 PointsPuzzles brilliantly reflect historical events and significantly challenge critical thinking skills.
Proficient
3 PointsPuzzles accurately reflect historical events and are effective in promoting critical thinking.
Developing
2 PointsPuzzles reflect historical events but do not sufficiently promote critical thinking.
Beginning
1 PointsPuzzles lack connection to historical events and do not challenge critical thinking.
Communication & Collaboration
Assesses the effectiveness of communication and teamwork throughout the project development.Team Collaboration
Measures the extent and quality of collaboration and teamwork in developing project components.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates leadership and collaboration, with equitable contributions from all members.
Proficient
3 PointsEffective collaboration and communication, with substantial contributions from team members.
Developing
2 PointsSome collaboration, but uneven contribution among team members.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal collaboration, with limited contribution from team members.
Clarity and Organization
Evaluates the overall organization and clarity of the presented work and findings.
Exemplary
4 PointsWork is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and easy to follow, with logical progression of ideas.
Proficient
3 PointsWork is clear and organized, demonstrating a coherent flow of ideas.
Developing
2 PointsWork has some organizational issues that disrupt clarity or flow of ideas.
Beginning
1 PointsWork is poorly organized, unclear, and difficult to follow.