Owen Middle School teacher James Sapp put a new twist on solving math problems with a lock box challenge on Wednesday.
Like the escape room concept, Mr. Sapp’s seventh grade math students had to collaboratively solve math-based riddles that revealed the combinations to three locks that secured each of their lock boxes. It’s Mr. Sapp’s second year presenting the activity. He said he sees lots of engagement and buy-in from the students.
“It’s a review that doesn’t feel like a review because it’s puzzles and games,” he said. “And because they work together, everyone is able to bring an asset to the table. It’s fun to see how excited they get.”
As the teams solved the riddles to their final locks, they shouted and high-fived each other. Inside was a sheet of paper with a final riddle, praise for their hard work, and a prompt to take a selfie for the classroom.
“It’s interactive and hands-on,” said Haleyanne, one of the students. “That’s what makes it fun.”