This Week’s Topic in Focus: Cool Tools
Each month our Digital Learning Team will feature a tool that is super cool while also super beneficial to your classroom. Here is the one we have on tap for you this week!
For many of us the GAFE Summit was our first exposure to the craze of Breakout EDU.
Inspired by the Escape Room concept, students use critical thinking, collaboration and creativity to solve a series of questions, puzzles and solve mysteries to unlock a series of boxes. Breakout EDU helps to create rigorous and engaging learning environments where students are up and out of their seats, moving around, and actively engaged in their learning.
All games are designed with the same physical items, so once you have the box you can play any Breakout EDU game. Boxes are available for sale on the Breakout EDU website or open source instructions are available to make your own. Check with your DLS to see if boxes are already available in your building.
Interested in trying out a Breakout EDU? There are online communities with pre-made games created by other teachers ready for you to use. These communities allow you to get ideas, ask questions and share your successes. Checkout the Breakout EDU website as well as the Facebook Breakout EDU Groups to join by subject area.
If you cannot find a game that meets your learning objectives create your own Breakout EDU game using the official template.
Debra Smith’s 6th graders at Maddux featured below are working on a Breakout EDU “Spyder Heist.” She reports they loved the problem solving and worked in fluid groups to solve the different problems that had both printed and digital elements. What tripped them up were the little details and observations.They are awaiting the next one with high enthusiasm. Debra assembled her own kits as the cost was much lower. She states that Amazon has most of the materials available.
Two other teachers that have used Breakout EDU in their classroom in Forest Hills are Jill Ramsey at Sherwood Elem and Tiffany NeCamp at Summit Elem. Krista Willertz at AHS and the THS Science Department are just getting started.
FHSD educators: Contact your building’s Digital Learning Specialist for assistance and coaching.
All educators: Feel free to use the comment feature to share how you are currently using Breakout EDU.
The sixth graders at Wilson have also participated in Breakout EDU games and tapped into their collaborative and critical thinking skills. They were heavily engaged on many levels and highly motivated to work together to solve the puzzles. It was a great learning experience for all!
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