Blast off on an unforgettable Space escape room adventure for KS2 pupils. Using iPads and Augmented Reality, children work in teams to solve puzzles, collect virtual artefacts and uncover clues hidden across the Solar System and beyond. Through three exciting challenges, pupils explore our Solar System, discover how astronauts live and work in space, and investigate the exciting future of space exploration.Designed by teachers and linked to the KS2 curriculum, the workshop develops scientific knowledge alongside essential skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving. As pupils progress through the adventure, they unlock key scientific vocabulary, answer enquiry-based questions and earn points for their team on the national Puzzle Locker leaderboard.
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Where we travel to
We can visit your school in: East Midlands, West Midlands, London & South East, East of England, South West, North West, Yorkshire
What activities are available during this school workshop?
Each Puzzle Locker Workshop Day includes three curriculum-linked activities for every participating class.
1. Pre-Workshop Introduction (45-60 minutes)
Before the escape room adventure begins, teachers receive a classroom-based PowerPoint briefing designed to build excitement and prepare pupils for the challenge ahead. The resource includes tutorial videos, key vocabulary, learning objectives and topic knowledge, helping children develop confidence and curiosity before their workshop.
2. The Escape Room Experience (60-70 minutes)
The main event takes place in the school hall. Using iPads and Augmented Reality, pupils work in teams to complete three enquiry-based escape room challenges, each lasting approximately 12-15 minutes. As they solve puzzles, collect virtual artefacts and uncover clues, pupils develop their understanding of Space while practising communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Follow-Up Classroom Resources (60+ minutes)
Learning continues after the workshop with a teacher-created follow-up resource pack. Activities include word searches, crosswords, comprehension exercises, maths challenges and topic-based tasks designed to reinforce key knowledge, vocabulary and learning outcomes in a fun and engaging way.
1. Pre-Workshop Introduction (45-60 minutes)
Before the escape room adventure begins, teachers receive a classroom-based PowerPoint briefing designed to build excitement and prepare pupils for the challenge ahead. The resource includes tutorial videos, key vocabulary, learning objectives and topic knowledge, helping children develop confidence and curiosity before their workshop.
2. The Escape Room Experience (60-70 minutes)
The main event takes place in the school hall. Using iPads and Augmented Reality, pupils work in teams to complete three enquiry-based escape room challenges, each lasting approximately 12-15 minutes. As they solve puzzles, collect virtual artefacts and uncover clues, pupils develop their understanding of Space while practising communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Follow-Up Classroom Resources (60+ minutes)
Learning continues after the workshop with a teacher-created follow-up resource pack. Activities include word searches, crosswords, comprehension exercises, maths challenges and topic-based tasks designed to reinforce key knowledge, vocabulary and learning outcomes in a fun and engaging way.
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Physics Workshop
Earth and space
In this immersive Space escape room, pupils embark on an exciting mission through our Solar System and beyond. Working in teams, they solve puzzles, collect virtual artefacts and uncover clues as they progress through three themed mini escape room challenges.
Each challenge is built around a key enquiry question and has been designed to support KS2 science objectives while developing communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Room 1: Rescue the Rover
Key Enquiry Question: What is the Solar System?
A powerful solar storm has disabled a Mars rover. Pupils must solve a series of puzzles to restore communication and bring the rover back online so it can continue exploring the Red Planet.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the different planets in our Solar System.
- Understand how moons orbit planets as natural satellites.
- Explore the Sun's role at the centre of the Solar System.
Curriculum Links
- Earth and Space
- The Solar System
- Working scientifically through observation and enquiry
Room 2: Lost in Space
Key Enquiry Question: How big is space?
A space station on its first human mission to Mars has drifted off course. Pupils must solve three puzzles to repair the navigation system and guide the spacecraft safely back on course before it's too late.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the vastness of space and where our Solar System fits.
- Explore the Milky Way Galaxy and its billions of stars.
- Discover how the universe is constantly expanding.
Curriculum Links
- Earth and Space
- Galaxies, stars and the universe
- Scientific enquiry and exploration
Room 3: The Mars Emergency
Key Enquiry Question: What is the future of space?
The oxygen supply inside a research pod on Mars is running dangerously low. Pupils must solve three puzzles to repair the filtration system before all the breathable air runs out.
Learning Outcomes
- Explore the possibilities of future space exploration.
- Understand how space tourism is developing with new technologies.
- Discover how scientists are searching for life beyond Earth.
Curriculum Links
- The future of space exploration
- Scientific innovation and technology
- Working scientifically
By the end of the workshop, pupils will have answered three key enquiry questions, developed their understanding of Earth and Space and explored how future discoveries could shape life beyond our planet through an engaging, curriculum-linked learning experience.
What size groups do we cater for?
We work with 3-4 KS2 classes per day, and each class or year group can choose a workshop that fits their current topic.
Each escape room experience in the school hall can accommodate up to 36 pupils at once. We provide 12 interactive puzzle mats and 12 iPads, with pupils working in teams of three to complete the challenges.
Please note: The escape room must take place in the school hall. When booking, consider hall availability around breakfast clubs, break times, and lunch.
Each escape room experience in the school hall can accommodate up to 36 pupils at once. We provide 12 interactive puzzle mats and 12 iPads, with pupils working in teams of three to complete the challenges.
Please note: The escape room must take place in the school hall. When booking, consider hall availability around breakfast clubs, break times, and lunch.
Access for visitors with disabilities
We aim to make our workshops as inclusive as possible. However, our escape room experiences may be challenging for children with visual impairments.
As a new provider, we're committed to improving accessibility and welcome teacher feedback to help us adapt and develop our workshops for all pupils.
As a new provider, we're committed to improving accessibility and welcome teacher feedback to help us adapt and develop our workshops for all pupils.
Who are Puzzle Locker?
Puzzle Locker creates immersive Augmented Reality (AR) escape room workshops that bring the primary curriculum to life. Developed in collaboration with curriculum experts, our workshops combine engaging educational content with innovative AR technology to create unforgettable learning experiences for Key Stage 2 pupils.
Using iPads and interactive AR puzzle mats, we transform school halls into exciting team-based escape rooms where children solve curriculum-linked puzzles, uncover historical artefacts, answer enquiry questions and work together to complete immersive missions. Every experience is carefully designed to inspire curiosity, deepen subject knowledge and make learning both memorable and meaningful.
At the heart of every Puzzle Locker workshop are the 4Cs of 21st-century learning, helping children develop the skills they'll use throughout education and beyond.
Critical Thinking
Children analyse clues, identify patterns and solve increasingly challenging puzzles that encourage logical thinking and strategic decision-making.
Communication
Success depends on sharing ideas, listening carefully and discussing solutions, ensuring every team member contributes to the challenge.
Collaboration
Every pupil has an important role to play. Children work together, support one another and celebrate shared achievements as they progress through each mission.
Creativity
From decoding ancient symbols to uncovering hidden artefacts, pupils think imaginatively and approach problems from different perspectives.
More than just an enrichment activity, Puzzle Locker is a fully curriculum-linked learning experience that combines immersive technology, teamwork and enquiry-based learning to create lasting educational impact. Whether pupils are exploring Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Romans, Vikings, Tudors, Space or World War II, every workshop is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and leave children talking about their experience long after the day has finished.
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2 mins
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