Saving the Earth: Mini Online Escape Game

Abstract

The article describes a mini-escape game with an environmental theme. The game was prepared using LearningApps and Google Slides. The mini-escape game comprised 7 subactivities: Crossword, Matching Pairs, Multiple-Choice Quiz, Cloze Test, Word Grid, Group Assignment, and Freetext Input. Through completion of these subactivities, students gradually assembled the concept from clues they acquired by correctly solving each task. The clues are represented as proton numbers of elements. In the teaching of chemistry at three schools, activities aimed at activating student engagement were tested. The activity was carried out in chemistry class by 78 students aged 14−16, who were divided into 26 groups of three. The teacher's briefing took place in the first 5 min. The mini-escape game activities were conducted over a 35 min period. In the subsequent 5 min, students completed a formative assessment tool called the Exit Ticket. This tool served as a stimulus to formulate the goals of the following lesson. The students appreciated the more frequent inclusion of fun, useful, and practically applicable activities into their education. Such activities motivate them and provide immediate feedback.