BreakoutEDU
It's Time for Something Different in Learning...
What is BreakoutEDU?
BreakoutEDU is a game that will have your students thinking critically, problem-solving, troubleshooting, working collaboratively and having so much fun they won't even realize how much they are using their brains!
Attribution: Most of the content for this session come from BreakoutEDU creators James Sanders and Mark Hammons from their site breakoutedu.com
Why Breakout EDU? (from breakout edu site)
Active Learning
The Four C's
Cultivating Grit
Where do I start?
1. Get your boxes.
- Purchase a complete kit from BreakoutEDU. These cost $99 + $19 shipping and currently take about 4 weeks to receive (they actually handcraft those awesome boxes!)
- Build your own. Use the provided list to compile all of the items yourself, saving a little money and getting your kit faster (but without the cool wooden box marked BreakoutEDU).
2. Find a game! Now you need to determine the game you want to play with your students. Click the button below to browse the game collections. Tested games are listed first and have been well reviewed. "In Beta" games are found on the lower portion of the page and in the "sandbox" button. These are games that are still being reviewed and tested, so you should proceed with them knowing that there may be some kinks.
All games are password protected to prevent players looking up solutions during play. To get the password, you must register for access using the link above.
- Set the stage.
Explain to students that you are going to have them work together in teams to solve a puzzle that is going to really challenge their brains. It is a race to see which team can solve the puzzle first. Give the game scenario and basics of how to play. - Explain the Hint Cards
The hint cards allow the players to work to their frustration level, but not beyond. At any point in the game when the players get stuck or frustrated they can ask for a hint. As the facilitator, you can decide how much information you want to give them. It is important that you are familiar with the game and know how all the puzzles are solved, so that you can provide effective hints. If you don’t know the game, go back to the game page (breakotuedu.com/games) and watch the video for that game. Here’s a blog post with different perspectives on the role of the hint cards.
- Review some rules.
Explain any places in the room that are off limits (maybe the teacher’s desk, book shelves) or any other rules you want to establish. - Give some tips.
Talk to your students about The 5 Tips for Success. - Stay out of it!
You may find it very hard to not help them, but don't give in to the temptation to nudge them in the right direction! Your only involvement should be to keep order, announce time, and give single hints in exchange for a hint card. When you feel yourself tempted to step in, remember that you are trying to build problem-solving skills and break students of their tendency to rely on others to figure things out for them! - Take pictures!
Take at least one picture of your students engaged in the game. This will be the evidence you need to earn your badge.
Tips and Tricks
Gaming Tips
- Use the community: if you have a question chances are that someone has already posted that question on the facebook group and the community has answered
- Be detailed: read the game instructions carefully well before game day
- Watch the overview videos: most of the official games have very useful overview videos
- Play the game before facilitating it to a group of students: often times it can be difficult to see how the clues fit together without actually walking through them first
- Have extra locks: Locks are finicky (or maybe it is just me) and it can be extremely frustrating when they accidentally get stuck. Have extra locks on hand so that the game isn’t hindered because of one lock getting stuck during your setup
- Lock Tutorials
- FAQs
- UV Flashlight Troubleshooting
- Facilitator Tips
Additional Resources
Helpful Links & Info
Experienced Users
Create Your Own
Contact Information
Email: tibbsc@rcschools.net
Location: 500 Old Hwy 99, Eagleville, TN, United States
Phone: 615-904-6710
Twitter: @Tibbstechcoach