Why History Matters Escape Room-Inspired First Week Activity (Distance Learning)
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"I thought U.S. History was going to be boring," a student told me at the end of semester one, "but the way it's arranged thematically is really interesting." A few days later that student's mother emailed me to let me know her daughter was now so interested in US History and Government that she regPrice $145.00Original Price $169.75Save $24.75
Description
One of my favorite things about teaching history is changing students' perceptions of it as a boring, irrelevant class. I use this escape room- inspired, low prep, engaging activity the first week of school to help students better understand the many reasons why history is worth studying and understanding.
All 5 tasks are designed for students to work in small groups to not only complete the task, but also learn why history is relevant to them. Each task tests students skills so that you as the teacher can observe and learn what your students need from early on.
And the best part is that you can use this activity for distance learning! There is now a Google Forms version with all the same tasks included in this resource! Students complete the escape room using the Google Form link!
Tasks:
1. Students read definitions about history and relevant terms, then match the terms to their definitions. Then they complete true-false questions about the study of history to test their knowledge. Some of the terms are challenging, and some will be quick wins!
2. Students will read a short article and then answer comprehension questions based on the article. This will tell you if your students need more support with reading!
3. Students will read several famous quotations about why history is important to study. Then they will match the quotation to the modern day translation. This will test your students decoding and reading skills!
4. Students will look at historical photographs and unscramble terms to find the code. You'll be able to tell how much they already know about WWII!
5. Students will write an argumentative paragraph. You'll have a much better understanding of their writing skills!
NOTE: Unlike an escape room, students will not find codes planted around the room. Rather, you will be the holder of the tasks. Students will complete a task, show you the code, and then receive the next task. This allows low prep and easy setup for you! However, the digital version requires almost no prep as the Google Form will do the work for you!
What’s Included:
- Teacher Directions (Start Here! PDF): I explain exactly how I run the activity in my class, including prepping the activity in advance and running the activity during class. This also includes tips for using this activity with distance learning and the link to the Google Form copy.
- Student Instructions PPT Slide: Editable slide that lays out how the activity works so students can understand the format quickly.
- Student Version of Tasks PDF: All you do is print, cut the quotes, and organize as instructed. Students do all the learning!
- Teacher Version of Tasks PDF: Contains the answer key and suggested grading of the final task.
To reduce tech issues, please be sure to have the most recent free version of Adobe Reader downloaded. More help linked here.
You might also enjoy:
- SMART Goal Setting for Secondary Students
- Insta-Past! An US History Preview or Review Timeline (Distance Learning!)
- Progressive Era Photo Collage Mini Project
- Holocaust Inquiry Project
- Cold War March Madness
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