Gun powder plot mini unit of work Escape Room (puzzle style) Activity

A mini topic on the gun powder plot - I link it to our overall enquiry which examines the impact of the European reformation and changes to British society.

It is primarily aimed at KS3 yr 8 - but may be useful for teaching skills of collaboration, instructions or drop down days for KS4.

There are questions supporting a documentary - which can take approx 2/3 lessons with supporting activities.

The Escape Room (style) activity lesson.
You will need a coded padlock and a lockable tin! I have shared my codes etc - but you are obviously welcome to change any of this. All of this is explained on the PPT

Students work in small groups and compete to get the codes (to escape) first. To truly win they will need to use all the evidence they have acquired along the way.

There are 4 PPT 3 with resources and one which has all the lessons:

1. Worksheet / mini booklet for all the lessons - includes cover sheet, Questions for documentary / mini source analysis / excape room charts and tables / cross word quiz (6 slides plus cover 7)
2. Answer sheets for staff - for all elements of the escape room (4 slides)
3. The evidence cards. (19 slides)
4. PPt for the lessons (28 slides)

The documentary takes about 2hours with all the other activities.
The Escape room is approx 1 hour.

Students work through breaking the various codes until they are able to crack the numerical code!

I use a keysafe box (you could use something with a padlock) students then gain access to the key and then to the safe. I do then keep the last activity (cross word) locked in the safe - this is where they have to have read the evidence carefully to truly win! I have found doing this maintains enthusiasm for all the other groups who are a bit slower as they all stand a chance of winning!

Enjoy :)