Escape Room Puzzles

-Teacher explains goal of the project, which is to create physical puzzles/games that include content currently being taught in Math and Science.

-Students will get a brief overview of the computer program being used and the laser cutters.

-A teacher created exemplar will be shared and solved by the the students.

-Students will break into pairs or small groups

-They will discuss what content they have learned this year in Math and Science

-They will brainstorm different puzzle ideas

-They will need to sketch out their top ideas on paper

-Sketched should be detailed with dimensions

-Students will learn the basics of CorelDRAW (or a similar program) by creating their sketches in the program

-Students only need a very basic/short tutorial (if any) to get started

-Teacher will float around the room to help and answer questions about the program

-Students are encouraged to tinker with the program and try to figure stuff out on their own

-Try to make students attempt to recreate their sketches as exact as possible (many times they will modify their original idea in an effort to make it easier to create)

-Teacher will explain the difference between Vector and Raster cuts and settings

-Use the exemplar to better explain

-Students will determine which lines in their puzzle should be vector lines

-Students will Hairline these lines (in CorelDRAW)

-Teacher gives the talk about lasers being crazy expensive and dangerous and how not to burn the lab down

-Show students where the material setting are and what they mean

-For first time printers: student will control the keyboard/mouse while teacher tells them what to click (which printer, settings, etc.)

-The last student to print and assist the next student with settings and so on

-Make sure the student STAYS AT THE PRINTER when the laser is firing

-We usually use MDF board or Acrylic, but cardboard can work too