Description
Evaluating expressions with exponents, parentheses and brackets is the key to recovering a stolen microchip in this 6th grade math order of operations escape room activity that includes both digital and print versions. Practicing and reviewing sixth grade expressions and equations standards becomes fun and engaging with this spy-themed challenge. In this math mission, students race to use order of operations to find the location of a meeting, figure out a passphrase, open a briefcase, and decipher secret messages. The five standards-based puzzles are engaging and challenging.
The printable version of the escape room includes both color and black & white options. There are four sheets to print. The print version is low prep & easy to implement. The online digital version of the escape room does not require any printing, has no clues to hide, and is self-checking. It is extremely easy to implement and can be completed in-person or virtually. The breakout process is automated by a Google Form™, but you do not need to have Google Classroom™ or student e-mail addresses to use this product. There is the option to create your own copy of the form for schools that require Google Forms™ to originate from within their system. *Please make sure that your school district does not block Google Forms™. Any student with a device and internet access will have the tools they need to complete the digital version of this order of operations breakout activity.
Math skills required to solve the puzzles
- Evaluating expressions with parentheses & brackets
- Evaluating expressions with whole number exponents
- Using proper order of operations when no parentheses are present
- All problems use whole numbers
- NO negative integers
- Strong understanding of CCSS.6.EE.A.1
- Challenging math problems that encourage collaboration and productive struggle. Please carefully view the preview to see samples of the expressions students will evaluate.
What’s included in the PDF?
- Quick start guide with link to the digital escape room
- Optional link for Google Drive™ users to create a copy of the form to save to their own drives in order to view student results.
- Printable black and white version of the escape room (includes the mission explanation, five puzzles, and a “mission accomplished” page).
- Printable color version of the escape room
- Answer key & teacher tips
Digital Escape Room FAQ
Do students need to have Gmail™ accounts? NO! Anyone with internet access and a tablet, computer, or even phone can complete the breakout.
How long will this take? That is the hardest question as the answer varies depending on each classroom, student, or group. Many students with a firm grasp of the concepts will complete this escape room in 30-45 minutes. You can allow 60 minutes to be safe. The form will only save data if students are signed into Google accounts, so if you are worried about your students not finishing on time, simply have them write their answers on scratch paper. They can then come back and quickly re-enter their answers and pick up where they left off.
Can this be used for remote learning? Yes! This product is designed to be able to be completed completely online and can be done in-person, for distance learning, or hybrid models. Students will need a device and internet connection.
Will students have to search the web to figure out the puzzles? NO! All of the information needed will be provided in the Google Form™. The math in this activity is all standards-based.
Escape rooms are a great way to get students excited and engaged with math. This activity encourages active learning and allows students to experience productive struggle to complete their mission.
