Peck Eighth Graders Craft Cutting-Edge Escape Room in Art and Tech Elective

In a fusion of creativity, technology, and innovation, students in the Art and Tech elective embarked on an extraordinary journey. In small groups, students took on the challenge of creating and designing their own escape room, utilizing a mix of arduino microcontrollers, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, augmented reality, electronics, mechanics, and even game development concepts.

As the students collaborated, the synergy between artistry and technology became evident. Rooms included challenges like programmed laser beams that responded to participants' movements, puzzles that ingeniously unlocked boxes, dynamic elevators with hidden clues, and even an enchanting AI-generated game master that effortlessly provided participants with insightful clues to any question posed.

“The escape room project gives students the opportunity to experiment with different technologies through an authentic experience, utilizing whatever resources are of interest to them,” says Kevin Greishaber, Director of Technology, Innovation, & Design.

The escape room project stands as a testament to the potential that emerges when students are given the freedom to explore and create at the intersection of art and technology. As these eighth graders move forward, their experience in crafting high-tech escape rooms will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future endeavors in the dynamic world of STEAM and creative expression.