Correction, Jan. 22: A previous version of this story included the term “parthenogenesis,” which was supposed to be “parthogenesis,” and has been corrected.
A small room on the third floor of U-High — might appear to be a mere closet — is actually a virus-themed escape room. Covered in biohazard tape and filled with vials, the escape room is a class project that offers visitors an opportunity to learn about viruses in an alternative way.
Led by students in Microbial Pathogenesis, a third-year science elective taught by Elizabeth Hubin, the escape room allows students to express themselves creatively through puzzles about viruses. To escape the room, visitors have to solve puzzles simply based on simple biology questions. Using the solutions from these puzzles, visitors can get keys, which will help them escape the room.
Dr. Hubin had previously done creative projects for her Microbial Pathogenesis class, such as plays, but after visiting escape rooms with friends, she began enjoying them and implemented the idea into her class.
“Historically, I’ve used the class as a way to exercise a lot of creativity while learning science,” Dr. Hubin said. “It’s a class about the immune system and various pathogens that impact the immune system, which is a really tough and dense topic to dig into.”
Dr. Hubin hopes that the escape room provides both a fun and educational experience for students, breaking away from traditional academic projects.
“I think when we designed the escape room in class, the students had to apply what they had learned about bacteria and how scientists identify and treat different infections,” Dr. Hubin said.
Senior Sahana Agarwal appreciates the project as it combines learning about tough topics with group work and freedom.
“Everyone got to choose their groups, and everyone got to choose their puzzles. I think there was a lot of freedom in what you could do, and I think everyone enjoyed hosting the escape room and seeing people do it,” Sahana said.
As the semester finishes up, Dr. Hubin encourages students to come to the escape room with their friends, preferably in a group of three or more, to learn while having fun.
“Sign-ups are open for people,” Dr. Hubin said. “The class meets during fourth periods, so students are welcome to come in during fourth period or email me and try to find a time by arrangement.”
