Lab Safety Escape Teacher Directions
Teacher Directions for Classroom Use:
There are several ways to play the science escape games in the classroom.
You will need to decide which approach to take before setting up the first
game.
Envelopes and Codes - The first method is the cheapest way but still
provides a great escape room experience. This is the description for one
group, but you will want to break the class up into many teams. Teams with
fewer than four members work best.
You will decide which puzzles they will use for the game and put each puzzle
into a separate manila envelope. After playing the video challenge, you will
give the group their first challenge.
The remaining puzzles will stay in an area of the room where the students
can check them in and out.
There are two ways you can check the codes. In the first method, students
write the code down on the provided answer sheet and you check it against
the answer key.
The second method involves using digital locks using Google Forms. A
detailed description of this method is listed later in the “Online Use”
directions.
Once the students solve all of the puzzles presented to them, they will open
the last envelope or box that contains their prize.
Locks and Boxes – Using locks and boxes is a more immersive experience
for the students, but it is the more expensive option because you will need
some equipment.
One suggestion is to use one box, a lockout hasp, and several locks per
group (suggestion on following page). The lockout hasp will save you from
having to buy multiple boxes per group.
The game can still be played with envelopes, but after each puzzle the group
gets to open one of the locks rather than write their answer on paper or
enter the lock digitally.
© Kesler Science, LLC
Science Escape Teacher Directions
In-class Materials per Group:
•
•
All printed materials from the puzzles chosen
Shoebox and school glue for the Mystery Box in Puzzle 8
If the teacher wants to use a box and locks instead of envelopes, see
suggestions below.
•
•
•
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Lockout Hasp - example http://amzn.to/2CgRvaV
Three, 4-digit locks - example http://amzn.to/2G8ObRG (3 pack)
One, 3-digit lock - example http://amzn.to/2EmYN31 (4 pack)
One, Storage box with place for the lockout hasp – example
http://amzn.to/2ChxlO0
Teacher Notes and Tips:
•
There are 8 puzzles with each science escape. However, they are all
independent of each other so you can remove puzzles to ensure there is
enough time for some groups.
•
The puzzles can be given in any order.
•
I would encourage you to do the puzzles before giving them to the
students. This will help you become a more effective moderator when it
comes to game day.
•
Most students will work best in groups of four or less.
•
For a 40-minute class period, use 5-6 total puzzles. If the classes are
long, the students may be able to complete all eight.
•
It’s okay if some groups don’t finish. In fact, you don’t want all groups to
finish. A typical commercial escape room has about 15-30% escape rate.
It’s an accomplishment to escape!
•
Be prepared to provide subtle hints to groups who are struggling. If a
group has been working for over 7-10 minutes on a puzzle, give them a
hand so they can feel some progression within the game.
•
The challenge video is in a separate folder with your download. Show it
at the beginning of class and start the timer.
•
Students can use scratch paper or the back of their answer document for
math problems, etc.
© Kesler Science, LLC
Science Escape Teacher Directions
Teacher Directions for Online-Use (for in-class or distance learning):
This Google form answer sheet can be used for distance learning, 1:1
classrooms, or an “answer station” in the classroom:
http://bit.ly/labsafetyescaperoom
When you click the link, the form will ask if you want to make a copy. When
you do, it will be copied to your Google Drive. You’ll share your copy with
your students. I’ve created a tutorial on how to edit the digital locks Google
form if you want to make changes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQhTFeOfMQc&t=210s
For distance learning, you have two options:
1. The “Single Student Digital Version” PowerPoint
•
This file has no answers
•
The students solve some of the puzzles by dragging images around
the slides.
•
Other puzzles are solved by reading articles and infographics, then
using logic or answering questions.
•
The PowerPoint can be emailed or assigned through a learning
management system.
•
This version can also be uploaded to Google Drive and opened with
Google Slides.
•
•
Open Google Slides.
•
Go to the File menu and choose Open
•
Find the tab on the right called Upload
•
Click Select a File on Your Device
•
Select the “Single Student Digital Version Digital Version”
•
Click Open
If you do make Google slides, the copyright only allows for use with
your own students. Do not share the link publicly.
© Kesler Science, LLC
Science Escape Teacher Directions
Teacher Directions for Online-Use (continued):
2. The “Single Student Print Version” PowerPoint and PDF
•
These two versions of this file have no answers.
•
Students are expected to print out the pages and cut them apart as
needed.
•
These files can be emailed or assigned through a learning
management system for your students to print at home.
•
The copyright only allows for use with your own students. Do not
share the files publicly.
Standards:
TEKS: Demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations
as outlined in the Texas Safety Standards.
NGSS: Many NGSS standards say students will “plan and conduct an
investigation” or they will “make observations and/or measurements” as a
part of the standard. Being able to demonstrate proficiency in lab safety
procedures enables students to conduct experiments and observations
safely.
© Kesler Science, LLC
Lab Safety Escape Teacher Directions
Puzzle Information:
1. At this station, students will be asked to navigate a maze. Along the
way they will “pick up” safety equipment by intersecting the pictures.
Students will need to be able to name the PPE in order to get the code to
solve the puzzle. Student will intersect lab coat, gloves, goggles, and
fire extinguisher. Other equipment is pictured, but not intersected.
Code 2513
2. At this station, students will answer a series of questions. The correct
answers have letters underlined. Once the letters are unscrambled, the
clue is revealed. Answers: 1-B, 2-D, 3-B, 4-C: Code “gloves”
3. At this station, students will be required to locate specific safety
equipment in the room. Cards are provided for the teacher to post on
or near each safety item. If the items are not in the room, the teacher
can use the picture clues (provided). Each card has one symbol and
when put in the order on the lab checklist the cards spell out the answer.
Code “safe equipment”
4. At this station, the students will have to sort lab rules into “real” and
“fake” categories. The answer to the number of the clue is the digits of
the number of real rules followed by the digits of the number of fake
rules. There are 10 real statements and 4 fake statements (1,3, 6, 12
are FAKE) Code 104
5. At this station students will have to identify the common lab safety
symbols. They need to draw the direction the stick man needs to travel
to visit the five safety symbols on the grid. Code 
6. At this station students will match the safety equipment with its
function. The safety equipment should be arranged in order A-H. The
Emoji’s will give the numerical clue. Code 56438271
7. At this station, students will get cards with rainbow colored flasks on
them. They need to put the cards in ROYGBV order and only use the
numbers from the cards that describe SAFE scenarios. Code 3845
© Kesler Science, LLC
Lab Safety Escape Teacher Directions
Puzzle Information Continued:
8. At this station, students will have to use their sense of touch to make
observations about something that they feel inside a shoebox. This clue
requires a little advanced prep: Print out the domino card and use school
glue to make raised dots on the domino numbers. You could also use
foam stickers or glue down small beads. The more raised the dots are,
the easier the challenge. You will glue these dots on the bottom of an
empty box. Cut a hole in the side big enough for their hand to fit inside
and tape the lid on the box. On the lid, place the poem clue. Students
will need to identify the dots to reveal the number code. The domino
border should give them the hint they are looking for series of dots.
Code 4623
**The Student PRINT and DIGITAL versions of the puzzle use a word
search to complete this puzzle instead of the raised bump puzzle. The
clues spell out “four six two three”.
I used little foam stickers from Scotch
called ”white foam squares”. I found
them at Target in the scrapbooking aisle.
© Kesler Science, LLC
Lab Safety Combinations/Answers
TEACHER KEY
Puzzle #1 SAFE Maze:
4-Digit Code
2513
Puzzle #2 Multiple Choice:
alphabetic
gloves
Puzzle #3: Lab Equipment Checklist
alphabetic
safe equipment
Puzzle #4: Real or Fake
3-Digit Code
104
Puzzle #5: Symbol Map
Directional Arrows

Puzzle #6: Emoji Matching
8-Digit Code
56438271
Puzzle #7: Flask Safety
4-Digit Code
3845
Puzzle #8: Touching Box
4-Digit Code
4623
© Kesler Science, LLC
Lab Safety Science Escape
YOUR CHALLENGE:
The superintendent is trying to decide the fate of middle school labs. He’s
not convinced that middle school students can be trusted to do labs safely.
It’s your job to prove him wrong! He has sent along a series of clues to test
whether or not you and your classmates know how to be safe in the science
lab. Demonstrate your knowledge of lab safety, problem solving ability and
general awesomeness. The fate of your classroom depends on it!
YouTube Link – https://youtu.be/2BG4D0uEFqQ
The original video file is also included in the download.
© Kesler Science, LLC
Lab Safety Combinations/Answers
Group # ____
Puzzle #1 :
4-Digit Code
___ ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #2:
alphabetic __________________
Puzzle #3:
alphabetic __________________
Puzzle #4:
3-Digit Code ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #5:
5 Directional Arrows ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #6:
8-Digit Code ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #7:
4-Digit Code ___ ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #8:
4-Digit Code ___ ___ ___ ___
Lab Safety Combinations/Answers
Group # ____
Puzzle #1:
4-Digit Code
___ ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #2:
alphabetic __________________
Puzzle #3:
alphabetic __________________
Puzzle #4:
3-Digit Code ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #5:
5 Directional Arrows ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #6:
8-Digit Code ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #7:
4-Digit Code ___ ___ ___ ___
Puzzle #8:
4-Digit Code ___ ___ ___ ___
© Kesler Science, LLC
SOLUTION
Lab coat,
gloves,
goggles and
fire
extinguisher
Lab Safety Puzzle 1a
Lab Safety Puzzle 1 Answer KEY
Your teacher is amazed by
your lab abilities.. . I’m not so
sure middle school students
can do it. Can you solve the
puzzle and name the
equipment you collect along
the way?
–Superintendent Fuego
Protection Equipment:
Goggles=1
Lab Coat=2
Fire Extinguisher=3
First Aid Kit=4
Gloves=5
Lab Safety Puzzle 1b
Your teacher is amazed by
your lab abilities. . .I’m not so
sure middle school students
can do it. Can you solve the
puzzle and name the
equipment you collect along
the way?
–Superintendent Fuego
Protection Equipment:
Goggles=1
Lab Coat=2
Fire Extinguisher=3
First Aid Kit=4
Gloves=5
Lab Safety Puzzle 1b
2 sets this page
Lab Safety Puzzle 1b
ATTENTION ALL
STUDENTS!
Lab Safety Puzzle 2a
ATTENTION ALL
STUDENTS!
I need students to figure
out the safest lab
procedures. I have to
admit, I’m a little
scrambled up. The word
on the street is that middle
school students know how
to be safe!
Lab Safety Puzzle 2a
Lab Safety Puzzle 2a
2 sets on this page
I need students to figure
out the safest lab
procedures. I have to
admit, I’m a little
scrambled up. The word
on the street is that middle
school students know how
to be safe!
Lab Safety
1) The directions say to observe the smell of the substance.
You should:
a) Place your nose on top of the beaker and sniff lightly.
b) Waft the smell towards your nose using your hand.
c) Collect a sample in a vial and sniff it away from the
beaker.
2) Your lab partner breaks a beaker in lab. You should:
a) Get the broom and sweep up the glass before
someone gets hurt.
b) Pick up the pieces carefully and be sure to wear
gloves.
c) Freak out because your teacher is going to be really
angry.
d) Tell the teacher and get help sweeping up the glass.
3) You have long hair, you should:
a) Tuck it behind your ears.
b) Pull it back into a pony tail so that it is up out of the
way.
c) Don’t worry about it, most labs aren’t dangerous.
4) The directions say to observe the color change of a
substance. You make the observation by:
a) Looking directly into the beaker using goggles, you
don’t want to miss the color change.
b) Holding your smart phone over the beaker and
recording it so that you can watch it later.
c) Use eye protection and view the beaker without
putting your eye directly over the reaction.
Lab Safety Puzzle 2b
Safety Equipment Answer Key
At this station, students will be required to
locate specific safety equipment in the room.
Cards are provided for the teacher to post on
or near each safety item. If the items are not
in the room, the teacher can use the picture
clues (provided)
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Eye Wash Station
Fire Blanket
Fire Extinguisher
Apron
Goggles
Phone
Evacuation Map
First Aid Kit
Fire Shower
Trash Can
Sink
Chemical Storage
Gloves
Each card has a symbol in the corner. Once
translated, those symbols spell out “safe
equipment”
Lab Safety Puzzle 3 Answer KEY
Safety Equipment Checklist
Fire Blanket
Eye Wash Station
Fire Extinguisher
Apron
Goggles
Phone
Evacuation Map
First Aid Kit
Fire Shower
Trash Can
Sink
Chemical Storage
Gloves
Lab Safety Puzzle 3a
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
APRON
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
CHEMICAL STORAGE
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
GLOVES
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
SINK
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
TRASH CAN
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
FIRE SHOWER
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
FIRST AID KIT
EVACUATION MAP
PHONE
GOGGLES
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
EYE WASH STATION
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
FIRE BLANKET
Lab Safety Puzzle 3b
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
FIRE SHOWER
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
TRASH CAN
SINK
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
CHEMICAL STORAGE
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
GLOVES
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
CHEMICAL STORAGE
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
SINK
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
TRASH CAN
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
FIRE SHOWER
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
FIRST AID KIT
EVACUATION MAP
FIRST AID KIT
EVACUATION MAP
GLOVES
PHONE
GOGGLES
APRON
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
PHONE
GOGGLES
APRON
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
EYE WASH STATION
FIRE BLANKET
EYE WASH STATION
FIRE BLANKET
2 sets this page
Lab Safety Puzzle 3c
2 sets
this
page
Lab Safety Puzzle 4a
Lab Safety Puzzle 4a
Lab Safety Puzzle 4a
REAL or
Eating in lab is safe
Work in the lab only when the teacher is
present or when you have permission.
Minor accidents don’t need to be reported to
the teacher.
Long hair should be tied back during lab
procedures.
Before beginning work in the lab, understand
the objectives of the experiment, the
procedure, and the materials.
Tasting chemicals in the lab is a good way to
help you identify them.
Clean your lab space as instructed by your
teacher
Avoid wearing loose fitting garments.
Open toed shoes on lab days should be
avoided.
Eliminate backpacks, extra books and
unnecessary items from your lab space before
beginning the lab. Always start with a clear
surface.
Keep a focus on your projects and
experiments.
Labs are meant to be fun, playing and joking
are acceptable behaviors as long as they don’t
cause injury to yourself or others.
If you are unsure of what to do, ask your
teacher and lab mates for clarification.
Learn the location and proper usage of the
eyewash fountain, fire extinguisher, safety
shower, fire alarm box, fire drill routes, and
glass/chemical disposal.
Lab Safety Puzzle 4b
Lab Safety Puzzle 5a
Lab Safety Puzzle 5a
Lab Safety Puzzle 5a
3 sets this page
Lab Safety Puzzle 5a
Directions Challenge:
Visit the following in order:
1) Eye wash station
2) Fire Blanket
3) Safety Shower
4) Fire Extinguisher
5) Exit
Which
way do I
go?
Lab Safety Puzzle 5b
Answer Key: 5-6-4-3-8-2-7-1
Lab Safety Puzzle 6 Answer KEY
Lab
Safety 6
Lab
Safety 6
Lab
Safety 6
Lab
Safety 6
Lab
Safety 6
Lab
Safety 6
Lab
Safety 6
Lab Safety Puzzle 6
Lab
Safety 6
7
3
Krystal got hungry during
chemistry lab and pulled out a
bag of chips. She put them on a
desk away from the lab station,
because they couldn’t cause any
harm from that distance
Ernesto picked up an unknown
test tube and wanted to smell it.
Instead of smelling it directly he
wafted the fumes towards his
nose to get just a whiff of the
substance.
Lab Safety Puzzle 7a
8
Lab Safety Puzzle 7a
1
When working with chemicals in
the lab Julie always
tied her hair back, got rid of her
gum, and made sure any loose
articles of clothing were taken
off. She also wore the proper
safety gear like glasses, a lab
coat, and gloves.
Lab Safety Puzzle 7a
Alexa and Jessica were absent
the day of the lab and needed
to make it up. They had talked
with their friends about the lab
and knew what they had to do,
so they started without reading
the directions.
Lab Safety Puzzle 7a
Lab Safety Puzzle 7a
4
5
Even though it was hot
outside, Jalen decided to
wear long sleeves, a pair of
jeans, and closed-toed shoes
to school. He knew he would
be working in the lab.
Mark and Eric were
unclear about one of the
directions on the lab
sheet. They raised their
hand and asked the
teacher how to proceed.
Lab Safety Puzzle 7b
Lab Safety Puzzle 7b
So many things
can happen,
In the lab its true!
Only keep the
safe ones,
They’ll reveal the
clue!
Lab Safety Puzzle 7b
Lab Safety Puzzle 7b
Lab Safety Puzzle 8a
2 sets this page
Use school glue, small beads or sticky foam to make the dots three dimensional.
The more raised the dots, the easier the task.
Lab Safety Puzzle 8a
Lab Safety Puzzle 8a
When observations you must make,
how many senses does it take?
Most kids think to use their eyes,
to smell and listen, they are wise.
Did you know that touching too,
can give you clues of what to do?
Some labs this year ask you to feel,
to get your data, yes it’s real!
Is it rough, or is it smooth?
Sometimes your hands are
important too.
Dry or sticky, warm or cold?
Reach inside, you must be bold!
Put in your hand, don’t be shy,
Can you figure it out on the first try?
Numbers go from left to right,
count them up without your sight.
Lab Safety Puzzle 8b
Prize Ideas
The lists below are ideas you could use for prizes if the group escapes all of
the challenges.
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Pencils and erasers
Free test question answer
Free Redbox rental
Takis or Hot Cheetos
Free coupon for a local
establishment like Sonic or DQ
Lunch with the teacher
Lunch in the classroom
Homework pass
Front of the lunch line pass
Free tardy pass
Bonus points
Gum passes
Technology pass
Drop the lowest grade
Stickers
Dollar Tree trinkets
Choose your own seat
Sit in the teacher’s chair
Medals
Pizza
Headphones for the day
Pop sockets
Coke and a smile
Spin a wheel
Gift cards
Keychains
Take your shoes off pass
Posted picture on website
Deadline extension pass
Pick the class music
Picture on the wall
Bring a blanket pass
Teacher assistant pass
Feed the animal pass
Pick the next review game
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Restroom pass
Lunch outside
Sit next to a friend pass
Winner ribbons
Extra clue for the next escape
room
Let them present the next demo
Brag tags
Candy (obviously)
Leave class 2 mins early
School supplies
Wear a hat
School “cash” or ”points”
Plastic trophy
Escape room winner wall
Picture posted to social media
Computer time
Teacher for 10 – 10 mins of being
the teacher
Popcorn party
3D printing of their choice
Lab coat for the day
Use notes on quiz
Game master – allow students to
help setup the next game
A pat on the back
Allow students to charge their
phone
T-shirt or mug
Index card for an exam
Get creative
Editable Reward Templates
This coupon entitles
you to <insert your
reward and center
the text>
This coupon entitles
you to <insert your
reward and center
the text>
This coupon entitles
you to <insert your
reward and center
the text>
This coupon entitles
you to <insert your
reward and center
the text>
This coupon entitles
you to <insert your
reward and center
the text>
This coupon entitles
you to <insert your
reward and center
the text>
Science Escape Social Sharing
What Now?:
Escaping all of the challenges is only part of the fun. The other part is being
able to brag about it to your friends.
I have included a series of signs to be used to photograph the group after
they have escaped or not. Allow the students to choose the signs that best
represents them. I’ve also included templates which allow you to create
your own creative signs.
Encourage Sharing:
I will be monitoring the hashtags #keslerscience and #scienceescape on
Twitter and Instagram. I look forward to interacting with everyone there 
Be careful to when sharing student faces and please refer to your district
policy regarding this issue.
Einstein
has
NOTHING
on me!
Mom said I
was gifted.
WE
ESCAPED!
Science
Escape
King
Science
Escape
Queen
I’m a
Brainiac
Pure
Genius
Master of
my Domain
Crushed
It!
Neil
deGrasse
Who?
I’m Too
Smart For
This
Nailed
It
MASTER
Smarty
Pants
Create Your
Own
See separate
file in the
download.
SOOOOOO
Close!!
Epic
Fail!
Brain
Freeze
Almost
Next
Time
What am I
Even Doing
Here?
I Had No
Contribution
ALMOST
Doesn’t
Count
FAIL
I Hope This
Isn’t A
Reflection
Of My Grade
There’s A
Test
Tomorrow?
I Don’t
Get It!
Help
Us
Ummmm.
I Like
Stuff
Create Your
Own
See separate
file in the
download.