Design and Implementation of an Escape Room About the Discovery of the Periodic Table

Abstract

This work describes the design and implementation of an escape room celebrating the International Year of the Periodic Table (2019). The main goal of the escape room is that the participants achieve, through the game, both specific competencies, such as basic concepts of chemistry, and transversal competencies, like teamwork and creativity. The most important aspects that must be addressed when creating an escape room (the story, the setting, and the riddles) are described in detail to help and motivate other teachers to implement a similar or related activity. In particular, the riddles are designed so that they give students an idea about the difficulties encountered by the scientists involved in the elaboration of the periodic table as well as to give them a small glimpse of the awe of discovery. The activity is aimed at high school students (ages 15-18) as well as undergraduate students.