This breakout challenge is an interactive, team-based activity designed to engage middle school students in critical thinking while reinforcing their understanding of lab safety.

Download includes:

• 4 Print & Go Challenges - no locks, envelopes, cutting or other prep. Either print a copy (4 pages for each group or print a class set and “white board” (put page in a page protector and use with a dry erase marker)
• Google Forms link to complete the 4 Challenges digitally
• Extra Word Search Puzzle for early finishers, exit ticket or homework
• 10 safety rules posters & bulletin board letters (LAB SAFETY RULES)
• Answer keys

The scenario is set up as a high-stakes mission: An intruder has triggered a lockdown in the Science lab and students must solve a series of 4 challenges within 30 minutes to unlock the lab and prevent a dangerous accident.

Challenges:

Challenge #1 - Safe or Unsafe Behavior: Students analyze 10 scenarios to identify safe and unsafe lab practices.

Challenge #2 - Lab Safety Equipment Double Puzzle: This puzzle requires students to correctly identify and match essential lab safety equipment (apron, eyewash, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, gloves, goggles, shower).

Challenge #3 - Lab Safety Symbols Cross-Off Puzzle: Students review 10 common safety symbols used in the lab, reinforcing their understanding of hazard warnings.

Challenge #4 - Safety Rules and Equipment Reading & Questions: This challenge involves answering 15 questions based on a reading passage about lab safety rules and equipment.

Breakout Procedure:

• Divide students into groups of 2-4
• Read the “Science Lab Lockdown” scenario
• Review the rules of a breakout challenge
• Hand out all 4 challenges to each group
• The group that completes the 4 challenges correctly 1st wins. *Reward the top 3 teams to keep students working
• The breakout challenge continues until all students finish or time runs out ~30 minutes

This breakout challenge not only makes learning fun but also promotes collaboration, problem-solving, and the application of safety principles in a hands-on environment. It’s an excellent way to review key concepts while keeping students engaged and motivated.

Related Resources:
⭐ Lab Safety Symbol Anchor Charts and Activity

⭐ Science Tools & Safety Equipment Anchor Charts
⭐ The Mysterious Science Teacher - Back to School Science Escape Room
⭐ Brain POP Intro to Scientific Method & Scientific Method Guided Notes

More games, notes and anchor charts available at Sandy's Science.