Description

Gettysburg Address Escape Room Activity:
The Gettysburg Address Escape Room will take students on a secret mission around the classroom! This escape room has students decode interesting facts about the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. This is the perfect resource to introduce a famous historical speech in a fun way! The activity includes modern, easy to understand translations of Lincoln’s speech.

The Gettysburg Address Escape Room has students walking around the classroom breaking codes. Students will complete a short formative that corresponds to the readings. This will ensure they are reading the content, not just solving the puzzles. The codes include ciphers, Morse code, cryptograms and a final 4 digit code based on the decoders/clues.

Each clue 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 interesting facts or an analysis about the Gettysburg Address. The use of secret code will keep your students engaged while competing to find the final code. Students can report the final code to you. If you wanted to, you could purchase a 4 digit lock that you program, but it is not necessary at all! No props needed!! This is a NO PREP, PRINT & GO Activity!

Students practice hands-on, practical problem solving skills all while learning about the Gettysburg Address. Your students will be inspired to think outside the box! Spy themed music is highly recommended!

The best age range for this resource is 8+. Please look at the preview to determine if this resource works for your age group. 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.

This escape room 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

New Feature: I have included a 6 question formative to complete as proof of understanding. Many times students rush to solve the puzzles without reading or comprehending what they read. The questions need to be answered correctly before they can win!