Sewickley Academy Students Design and Operate an Escape Room


Earlier in the school year, Senior School Technology Coordinator Mrs. Cristy McCloskey along with six students – four juniors and two seniors – in her Interactive Design and Development class visited an escape room in Pittsburgh and were inspired to take on the challenge to design, build, and run their own.

The Interactive Design and Development class is a project based class were students learn the C# programming language, 3D design, soldering, and work with circuit boards such as the Makey Makey and Arduino. These circuit boards can be used to learn computer programming. Mrs. McCloskey said, “The Makey Makey can be wired and programmed to make objects act as a keyboard. Earlier this year the students created video games, then used the Makey Makey to design a controller for their game.” Students used this technology to create jumbo “piano” keys, which morphed into one of the components of the escape room. The class transformed a former language lab next to their computer lab into the escape room from scratch by gathering materials from old stage sets, maintenance supplies, and a couple of trips to a home improvement store. In addition to programming, students’ critical thinking and storytelling skills were put to the test in this hands-on class.
 
From April 20 through May 13, students and faculty in groups of three or four can try to escape from the room.
 
Upon arrival at the escape room, participants are read a fictional scenario:
 
It’s Friday the 12 in 1968, you and your investigative team have received a 911 call from the Saucekly family construction site. The caller seemed panicked and said there had been several murders committed. The call ended with another voice being heard and an abrupt hang up. Neighbors reported that no other cars were seen in the area. While investigating, an officer went missing so you were called in to help. Once on site, you are forced to play the game the killer has set up for you, and all you can try to do is escape with your life.
 
Before entering the room, group members are read a list of rules they must adhere to and relinquish their cell phones. Once they enter a very dark room the 60 minute clock starts to tick down and groups start plotting their escape.  
 
While teams work their way through the escape room, its creators watch via strategically placed webcams in an adjacent room. When groups get off track, the creators knock on the escape room door and slip notes underneath with helpful hints to aid participants in their escape. 
 
Prior to opening its door to the SA public, the group sent a few test groups through and based on their feedback, made some adjustments and improvements. 
 
“My students worked very hard on this project, and I am very pleased with the outcome. So far it seems like folks are enjoying it! They are very proud of themselves too!” said Mrs. McCloskey. 

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