Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8): Math Mystery Escape Room

I. Introduction

Lesson Title: Math Mystery Escape Room

Grade Level: 6–8

Subject Area: Mathematics (Coordinate Geometry, Ratios & Proportional Relationships, Volume)

Overview Step into the shoes of codebreakers, investigators, and problem solvers in the Math Mystery Escape Room. Over five sessions, student teams will unlock a series of “math locks” by solving engaging, curriculum-aligned puzzles:

• Coordinate Grid Cipher: Decode secret messages using plotted points and polygonal shapes.
• Ratio Riddles: Determine missing values in creative word problems to reveal lock combinations.
• Volume Vault: Calculate volumes of prisms and cylinders to open the final box.

Teams race against the clock to apply multiple math strands—promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and persistence under time pressure. This immersive experience reinforces standards, builds excitement, and fosters growth mindset as students celebrate small victories and learn from setbacks.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives Students will be able to:

1. Plot and interpret ordered pairs on the coordinate plane to decode messages and reveal geometric shapes.
2. Solve multi-step ratio and proportion problems in contextual scenarios, using equivalent ratios and unit rates.
3. Compute volumes of right rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders using formulae and .
4. Collaborate effectively under timed conditions, assigning roles, documenting strategies, and communicating solutions.
5. Persevere through challenging tasks by applying problem-solving frameworks (understand, plan, solve, review).
6. Reflect on strategies used, errors encountered, and lessons learned to improve mathematical resilience.

Standards Alignment

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.C.6: Understand a rational number as a point on the number line; plot and locate on coordinate plane.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.2: Recognize and represent proportional relationships; use ratio reasoning to solve real-world problems.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6: Solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume of three-dimensional objects.
• MP1 (Make sense of problems and persevere): Engage with non-routine puzzles requiring multiple approaches.
• MP3 (Construct viable arguments & critique reasoning): Explain and critique peer solution methods during group debriefs.
• SEL—Collaboration & Growth Mindset: Demonstrate cooperation, respectful communication, and reflection on setbacks.