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. 

How does the Strike affect this Activity?

Due to the strike, we have had to make some changes to how this activity will run to ensure an equitable experience for students across all sections. The following changes were made: 

• This is no longer a group assignment, you must work on and complete the activity individually. 
• It is still open notes
• You have 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete the assessment, rather than 2 hours. 
• You need only complete 5 of the 8 rooms to receive full credit on this activity. It doesn't matter which rooms you select, so long as you complete 5 of the 8 provided. 
• The 5 highest scores will be taken and scaled to 40 (eg. you earn 25 points for completing 5 rooms, the gradebook will show 40 points)
• If you want to attempt the bonus room (Room 9) you must still complete all 8 rooms. 

Do I have to complete the 5 rooms in a specific order? 

No. You are free to choose any 5 of the 8 rooms provided and you are free to complete them in any order. Remember if you want a shot at the extra credit, you must still complete all 8 rooms. 

Is this in-person?

No. This is a virtual exercise.

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

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

2 Hours 50 min. is the time you have to take it. 

Over 9 administrations of this assignment in the past 4.5 years, ~90% of individuals successfully finish all rooms within an hour and twenty minutes

During the Fall 2022 cohort who experienced a TA strike, 100% of the individuals successfully finished all 5 of 8 rooms in less than 2 hours. 

Is this a group project?

No, You will be working individually

Is this open notes?

Yes.  

When will the escape room take place?

The week of 06/03 - 06/07 of 2024 during your scheduled lab time. You will promptly be locked out at the end of your scheduled time

Where will the escape room take place?

Canvas - your class will not be meeting virtually on zoom or in person.

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. Try a different room, remember you need only complete 5 rooms to complete this activity for full credit.

4. Access drop in tech support with an intro bio team member. Please note: the intro bio team will only be addressing tech support issues. 

What about the Escape room Extra credit (Room 9)

To get a chance at the extra credit, you still would need to successfully complete all 8 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, send a support ticket 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 handle once you've placed the combination - if it does not open, the combination you arranged is incorrect. 

Room 9 Tech Issues

There are none reported. All codes have been verified 05.22.2024. 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...

You have until the end of your scheduled exam administration to complete the Escape Room exercise.

I missed my Escape Room...

Reach out to the intro bio team by submitting a support ticket.