Periodic Table Escape Room

A Unique Escape Room Experience:

Unlike many escape rooms, the teacher is in total control of which of the 8 puzzles they want to use and in which order to use them. Each puzzle is independent of the others. This is great for shorter or longer class periods.

Student Background:

Students will need to have an understanding of the structure of atoms, including the masses, electrical charges, and locations, of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the electron cloud. They will need to know how to use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.

What's Included in the Product?

Teacher directions
Detailed answer key for each puzzle
Single Student Digital Version PPT that can be uploaded into Google Slides
Single Student Print Version in PPT and PDF for families to print at home
Editable Teacher Version PPT
Digital answer sheet (Google form) that is great for 1:1 or Google Classrooms. Replaces paper answer key if you choose.
Video challenge to set the mood for the challenge
8 unique puzzles with all printable props
A list of over 50 ideas for prizes
Reward templates
30 unique signs to hold up for the picture at the end (plus, editable template)

What Materials Will I Need?

The escape room can be run in the classroom or online (see Distance Learning Ready in the next section).

In-Class Escape Rooms

The cheapest and easiest method is to use manila envelopes for the puzzles (all directions provided).

All necessary printed materials for preparation are included. Laminating the materials will preserve them for repeated use.

For the Periodic Table Escape Room, you will also need:

Student copy of the Periodic Table
Scrabble tiles (optional)

Optionally, for a more authentic escape room each group will need the following:

One Lockout Hasp
Three, 4-digit locks
Two, 3-digit lock
One storage box that includes a place for the lockout hasp

Students may submit their answers on paper or using a Google Form (the link is included).

Distance Learning Ready

Distance Learning methods include digital or print-at-home versions.

Digital Version

You can assign the “Single Student Digital Version” PowerPoint through email or your school's learning management system. This file has no answers and students solve by reading and answering questions or manipulating images on the slide.

For the Periodic Table Escape Room, the student will also need:

Small mirror or reflective surface (cell phone camera would work also)

This version can also be uploaded to Google Drive and opened with Google Slides.

Open Google Slides.
Go to the File menu and choose Open
Find the tab on the right called Upload
Click Select a File on Your Device
Select the “Single Student Digital Version Digital Version”
Click Open

If you do make Google slides, the copyright only allows for use with your own students. Do not share the link publicly.

Print-at-home Version

You can also assign or email the Single Student Print Version as a PPT or PDF for families to print at home.

For the printed Periodic Table Escape Room, the student will also need:

Small mirror or reflective surface (cell phone camera would work also)
Brads (paper fastener) for one of the decoder rings (optional)

Again, the copyright only allows sharing with your own students, not on public websites or school-wide servers.

Essential Questions and Standards

Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the Periodic Table Escape Room. This product is one of many included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Essential Questions

How do valence electrons determine an atom's chemical properties, including reactivity?
How are elements classified on the periodic table?

Standards

8.5 A - describe the structure of atoms, including the masses, electrical charges, and locations, of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the electron cloud
MS PS1-1 - Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
HS PS1-1 - Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.

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