Build Your Own Breakout Kits

Ever since I heard about BreakoutEDU, I have been excited about the possibilities that it could mean for my classroom. I don't think anyone would argue that the escape room concept isn't inherently engaging but man, that $150 price tag per kit can be a tough one to swallow. 

I knew that if was going to get this to work in my context, I needed to follow two simple rules

1. The tasks should introduce, review, or reinforce content in the course
2. Groups should be no larger than 5 students to ensure that everyone can be directly involved

In order to accomplish goal #2, I knew I would need to drive down that cost a little bit so that I could write a grant that could reasonably cover the cost of a classroom set. This post is all about how I pieced together everything I needed for under $70 per kit.

Assembling the Components

In the early days of BreakoutEDU, there used to be an open source page with a link to an Amazon list with all of the components needed to assemble a breakout box on your own. That page has since been removed so I needed to do a little digging to track down the things that I wanted for my kits

DIY Disclaimer
​The DIY Breakout that I outline below is not exactly the same as the official BreakoutEDU kit. This may require some modifying of official BreakoutEDU tasks that you find on the website.

For a list of all differences, seeBreakoutEDU Comparison

 Big Box

This toolbox serves as the primary box that students try to break into. There is a tab with a hole to use a lock on but it isn't quite large enough to fit the jaws of the lockout hasp without a little modification. I was able to enlarge it easily with a cordless drill and a drill bit slightly larger than the hole.

I really like the top organizers for hiding clues in so that students feel like they are "discovering" the first clues of the challenge.

Stanley 016013R 16" Series 2000 Tool Box with Tray

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Small Box

This pencil case fits nicely inside the big box and has a 3-digit lock built right in. It also has some nice pouches and straps inside that make great places to hide things like keys and UV flashlights :)

This is one of the easier locking components to change the combination (by accident or on purpose) so be careful. If a student changes the combo on you, you may never get it back open!

Vaultz Locking Utility Box with Combination Lock, Black on Black (VZ00192)

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Lockout Hasp

The lockout hasp allows you to lock the toolbox with multiple locks that students will need to open before they can get in the large box.  This one handles up to 6 locks which is plenty for an hour long task.

Master Lock Lockout Tagout Hasp, Vinyl Coated Steel Hasp, 1-1/2 in Jaw Clearance, 421

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Word Lock

This word lock allows a couple hundred 4-letter word combinations. I appreciate the fact that it requires a coin to flip the lock into combination setting mode. This makes it less likely for students to switch the combination on you.

All of the possible words can be found in the lock's instruction manual

Master Lock Padlock, Set Your Own Word Combination Lock, 1-1/2 in. Wide, Assorted Colors, 1535DWD

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4 Digit Number Locks

It's always good to have number lock options especially if you are doing a math or science breakout task. This set of 2 has four digit combinations. They aren't super hefty but they definitely do the trick.

ORIA Combination Lock, 4 Digit Combination Padlock Set, Metal and Plated Steel Material for School, Employee, Gym or Sports Locker, Case, Toolbox, Fence, Hasp Cabinet and Storage, Pack of 2

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3 Digit Number Locks

I really like having a 3-digit number lock as well to serve as a distractor with the locked small box that also has a 3-digit combination :)

Master Lock Padlock, Set Your Own Combination Lock Luggage Lock, 13/16 in. Wide, 646T (Pack of 2)

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Masterlock

This lock and key is super sturdy, just be careful of the corners. They are sharp!! Each lock comes with two keys which is nice so you can have a backup (just in case)

Master Lock 140D Solid Brass Keyed Different Padlock with 1-9/16-Inch Wide Body, 1/4-Inch Shackle

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Ultraviolet Flashlights

This 10 pack is really inexpensive and a great way to outfit multiple sets at once. There is nothing more exciting than the reveal of a UV Light

LUMAND 10 Pack Uv Mini LED Flashlight Keychain Torch Light Lamp Id Currency Passports Detector (10Pcs, Purple)

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Invisible Ink UV Markers

This set comes with blue, red, and yellow markers. They really are effectively invisible once the ink dries. I was able to write on the clues before laminating them and the UV flashlight was still able to illuminate the secret message without a problem.

Set of 3 Invisible UV Blacklight Ink Marker Blue Red Yellow

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Building the Kits

I figured that a true class set would be enough for 32 students to be in 8 groups of 4. Knowing that things happen, I decided to get an extra of everything to have on hand just in case something needed replacing. This meant that I was looking to get enough supplies for 9 Breakout kits. With the supplies outlined above, I was able to get the cost down under $70 a piece for a grand total of $630 for nine setups. Granted this is still a big chunk of change but at least it's not the $1350 price tag to get that many official kits! I was very fortunately to get all of this paid for through a grant but it feels great to know that I got twice as many supplies for the price :)

Component	Number Needed per Kit
Stanley 16-inch Toolbox	1
Locking Utility Box	1
Lockout Hasp	1
Word Combo Lock	1
4 Digit Numlock - 2-pack	0.5
3 Digit Numlock - 2-pack	0.5
Masterlock - Padlock and Key	2
UV Flashlights - 10-pack	0.1
UV Pens - 3-pack	0.3

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Click for a list of breakout tasks