Escape Room Frequently Asked Questions

This page will be updated throughout the administration as needed. If you're looking for the FAQ for the course, you can access it here. 

What devices do I need?

You need a computer with a reliable internet connection. 

Can I use the Canvas App on my phone or tablet?

No! 

1. Do NOT use the canvas app - at all, its glitchy and is currently being repaired by canvas engineers. 

2. You need to be logged into zoom and interacting with the escape room through a browser. This exercise really requires the use of a laptop or computer system. 

How much time do I have to complete it? Will it take a long time?

2 Hours is the time you have to take it. 

Over 10 Administrations in the past 5 years, ~90% of individuals successfully finish all rooms within an hour and twenty minutes

Is this a group project?

Yes, You will be working in the groups you worked with for your Fly experiment and as reported to us by your TA. 

Is this open notes?

Yes.  

Do I have to complete the Rooms in any particular order?

You must first go through the "Are you Ready?" Quiz with your TA. This will grant you access to the "Practice Question" quiz you and your group mates must each answer. After that you are able to complete all Escape Rooms in any order you desire. Just note - that some rooms require more time than others and are best attempted as a group. 

When will the escape room take place?

The week of 06/02 - 12/06 of 2025 during your scheduled lab time. You will promptly be locked out at the end of your scheduled 2 hour time

Where will the escape room take place?

Canvas - If you do not know the link for your zoom session you can access it on our Canvas Course Front Page. 

But what if I encounter a technical difficulty?

Though in the past iterations of this assignment we haven't really had any surface, try a few of these items: 

1. Switch browsers - Safari doesn't work well for this assignment; Chrome and Firefox are your best bet; always work in incognito/private mode

2. Read instructions carefully, some rooms may have some tips for dealing with issues (ie. "if things don't fit into one screen, zoom out" etc.)

3. Please try and see if any of your group mates are experiencing the same difficulty and if they have any solutions. If not, notify your TA and promptly start another room while they bring in someone to assist. 

I see Rooms 1-3 and 5-9, but it looks like Room 4 is missing, is there a Room 4?

Room 4 is not part of your Escape Room assessment this Spring. You need only complete Rooms 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, & 8 - each worth 10 points - to get full credit for this assignment and also gain the opportunity to attempt Room 9 for an additional 2 bonus points. 

What about the Escape room Extra credit (Room 9)

To get a chance at the extra credit, you need to successfully complete all available rooms within the time allotted. This only gives you the opportunity to solve the puzzle for Room 9, it does not guarantee the points. 

It's my scheduled lab time, but I still cant access any of the escape room elements

 If you cannot access your escape room during your designated time slot, inform your TA immediately. An individual from our team will respond promptly, and extend any time as needed. 

Room 1 Tech Issues

This room may have slower load time. Be patient with the videos as they may take time to load.

Room 2 Tech Issues

This room will not work well in Safari, you must use Chrome or Firefox; if you are using those two browsers and it still does not work, try incognito/private mode. 

Room 5 Tech Issues

You may need to mess around with the zoom feature of your browser (ctrl +/-). It may also help to have the volume on. If you are unable to use volume, please note that you must click the center handle - if it does not open, the combination you arranged is incorrect. 

Room 9 Tech Issues

There are none reported. All codes have been verified by multiple parties on 05.28.2025. If you cannot get in, you do not have the correct code. 

I finished the Escape Room but my grades disappeared from the gradebook

Don't panic, this is normal! It is also normal for you to see a 0/3 for both the "Are you Ready?" and, "Practice Question" assignments.

Rest assured, we have your grades and they will be restored and visible once everyone in the course completes the Escape Room (sometime Friday).

I showed up late to my Escape Room...

If it has been more than 15 minutes since the start of the Escape Room exercise, you can complete the Escape Room independently with the remaining time left to you. 

If it has been less than 15 minutes since the start of the Escape Room exercise, you can join your group mates and continue with the remaining time left to you. 

I missed my Escape Room...

You will receive an absence (excused or unexcused) that will count towards the 3 absences = F policy. If excused, you will need to follow the advisement from the intro bio team. If unexcused, you will receive no credit for this assessment. 

Do I have to be on Zoom with my group to do this exercise? 

Yes, You must be on zoom in your designated breakout room to complete this exercise.