2024 ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators

Here we present an innovative approach to assessing understanding of biochemistry concepts through gamification. Students role play as lab technicians and are given a mission by “demanding” Principal Investigator: determine the identity and sequence of a mystery molecule and escape the lab. The engaging escape room format is an ideal space for problem solving, synergistic teamwork, and active learning. To successfully identify the molecule, students must demonstrate their understanding of the four major classes of biological macromolecules and ways to distinguish among them. Students are provided with an initial clue to the molecule’s identity. Once they successfully interpret each clue, they obtain another piece of the puzzle, thereby incrementally guiding themselves toward identification. Through gamification, we encourage students to work together to solve a problem and develop a deeper understanding of biomolecules. We will discuss the design, implementation, and ideas for effective assessment of this activity.