Declaration of Independence ESCAPE ROOM! Reading Comprehension | No Prep!

Understanding and interpreting old documents can be a challenge for any student! This escape room has students analyze 4 excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. Students then decode the modern meaning of that excerpt and answer a question about the excerpt. The Declaration of Independence Escape Room will take students on a secret mission around the classroom!

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The Declaration of Independence Escape Room has students walking around the classroom breaking codes. Students are given a secret code name and sent on a top secret mission to save the Declaration of Independence! The codes include ciphers, Morse code, cryptograms and a final 4 digit code based on the decoders/clues.

Each modern version translation and code is different. The codes require students to think differently to decipher or decode them. Some codes are easier than others. Some codes require critical thinking to determine what a letter/symbol stands for. Each code will reveal the modern meaning of the excerpt. The use of secret code will keep your students engaged while competing to solve the final lock combination. No props needed!! Students can report the final lock combination to you. If you wanted to, you could purchase a 4 digit lock that you program, but it is not necessary at all! This is a NO PREP, PRINT & GO Activity!

Students are sent on a “secret mission” and given a back story

to ignite their active learning skills. They are given a code name which makes them feel as if they are part of the secret mission. Students practice hands-on, practical problem solving skills all while learning about the Declaration of Independence. Your students will be inspired to think outside the box! Playing spy themed music is highly recommended!

The best age range for these codes and excerpts is 9+. Younger students may need some help with some of the more difficult codes.

You can use the pre-labeled clues or you can challenge older kids to choose/find the decoder that works for each of the clues. A set of labeled and non-labeled decoders are included for differentiation. A “How to Decode” puzzles is also included.

Once your students try one of my escape rooms, they will beg for more!

In addition to learning or reinforcing the subject matter, my escape rooms encourage teamwork and critical thinking. As a “timed” challenge, students will be engaged from beginning to end.

New Feature: This escape room now includes 12 fun, colorful signs to take class pictures with at the end of the mission. Signs include “Puzzle Master”, “She did all the work”, “Genius”, “We did it”, “I Escaped” and more! Hang the pictures in your room, send them in a parent newsletter or share them on social media 

An answer key and easy to follow teacher directions are provided.

Time needed: 30-60 minutes

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