gobble Archives • TechNotes Blog

It might feel like Christmas is already upon us, judging from the decorations already adorning homes and storefronts. But don’t count out Thanksgiving — especially when there’s a great educational breakout all about Turkey Day that you can use right now! This breakout is great for upper elementary students and above but you know your students best.

Breaking Into Breakouts

A breakout is a bit like an escape room but on a smaller (and safer) scale. Students are challenged to use clues to open locks, and ultimately finish the game. My Thanksgiving-themed breakout, which I developed in 2017, is entirely digital. A digital breakout does not require a physical box and locks, like traditional breakouts. Instead, this type of breakout needs a web page on a Google Site. The page can include images, text, and hidden hyperlinks that students can use to solve digital puzzles.

A Google Form is used to create the digital locks. In order for a Google Form question to act as a lock, the question needs to have the response validation selected. You can find this option by clicking the “Skinny Snowman” (three horizontal dots) in the lower right-hand corner of each question. The most common locks are Direction, Color, Number, Word, Letter, and Date.

Gobble Up the Gobble Gobble Breakout

This one’s not only a fun challenge but it’s filled with interesting facts about the holiday. Did you know Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey, which he called “a respectable bird,” to be our national animal, instead of the bald eagle? Or that Thanksgiving became a national holiday due, in large part, to one pioneering woman?

Jump in, learn even more, and see if you can break out!

Access the Gobble Gobble Breakout

Remember that if you need a hint or two, please email me at preimers@tcea.org. And be sure to check out our other digital breakouts here. Happy Breaking Out!