Back to School Activity | Lockbox Challenge | Breakout Box | Enrichment

This back to school lockbox activity will engage and challenge your students, while building teamwork and developing critical thinking skills.

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This Lockbox Challenge is now part of a Lockbox Challenge Holiday/Seasonal BUNDLE. Get 10 seasonal/holiday Lockbox Challenges for one low price.

PLEASE NOTE: Lock boxes (1 large and 1 small) and locks are required for this activity. Please see the preview for pictures of the locks needed. You will not be able to use this resource without the following supplies.

1. large lock box with latch

2. small lock box with latch

3. hasp (or other method for attaching locks to box)

4. 5-letter lock

5. 4 digit number lock

6. key lock

7. 3 digit number lock

8. directional lock

9. 4-letter lock

10. invisible ink pen

11. UV flashlight

The students will also need access to a computer (Chromebook, iPad, etc) that has Internet access in order to research the dates of six school-related events.

A color printer will be needed for many of the printable pages in this resource. Some of the tasks use clues that involve color.

In this Lockbox Challenge, students will need to break into a box to help the school. The principal, Mr. Duffy, has made a promise to put a bouncy house on the playground if students read a combined total of 5,000 books over summer break. Mr. Duffy has collected the reading logs and has counted a total of 4,995 books read. There is one last reading log, but it is locked in your friend's fancy new lunchbox. Help to get it out and earn a bouncy house for the school!

There are 6 different challenges included in this resource. Each task will require logical reasoning and critical thinking skills. All the printable materials for each task are included, with an easy-to-read reference sheet that outlines the lock codes and setup for each challenge. The following challenges are included:

1. Teacher Sunglasses- Students will use clues to solve a riddle. Why did the teacher wear sunglasses to school? Once they solve the riddle, another clue will reveal letters to form a word that opens the 5-letter lock.

2. Pencil Puzzler- Students will think critically to identify the value of three types of pencils. Then, they will plug in these values to a second problem involving exponents, addition and multiplication. The answer to this problem is the code for the 4 digit number lock.

3. Rosemont Staff- Students will use a coin chart to add up the value of the last name of each staff member at Rosemont School. They will place the cards in order from least to greatest and then read a secret message with the UV light to find out the location of the hidden key for the key lock.

4. School Events- Students will research the dates (using a computer, Chromebook, iPad, etc.) of 6 different school-related events and then plug those dates into a second clue card that will require addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The final answer is the code for the 3 digit number lock.

5. Lunch Time!- Students will use logical thinking to match up students and lunches, based on food clues. When matched correctly, the pictures will reveal the code for the directional lock.

6. Schedule Mishap- Students will use knowledge of elapsed time, plus some hints, to put the daily schedule back in order. Once the schedule is ordered properly, a final clue will reveal letters that form a word for the 4-letter lock.

Answer keys are included for each challenge.

The initial setup of a Lockbox Challenge is a bit of a time investment, but I have worked hard to make it as easy as possible for you with detailed directions that include pictures. Once the challenges are set up and the locks are in place, you will be amazed by the level of engagement, degree of teamwork, and problem solving that unfolds. This makes it all worth while. :-)

Reward certificates (in black line or color) are included to place inside the box.

Thank you for considering my Back to School Lockbox Challenge!

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