This has got to be one of the most unusual and fun ways of introducing your students to the delights of the bubble, insert and merge sorting algorithms. Even if your exam board only teaches two of these sorting algorithms it’s still worth getting this activity and teaching all three as it is just so much fun!
 
Using an escape room activity that involves a witch and a goblin (who doesn’t want that?) your students will learn the basics of how these three algorithms work.
 
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This is an interactive escape room activity and does not require any student computers so is ideal for when you are not in your usual classroom.
 
The entire activity will last a single lesson.
 
Your role is to not do a lot and put the emphasis on your students working together.
 
Early on you (as the teacher) will be turned into a goblin! Sorry (not really sorry) so you may want to practise your goblin roar for when it’s called upon.
 
Students therefore cannot rely on you to help them (because you’ll be a goblin) and they’ll have to work together (either as a whole class or in smaller teams if you prefer) to try and solve all the riddles in their “spell books” for themselves.
 
The main activity is introduced via a whole-class PowerPoint presentation which includes videos giving the students vital instructions and helping them if necessary.
 
Each pupil is given a printout of the spell book which contains all the challenges.
 
WHAT IS TAUGHT?
This escape room style activity gives your students a great introduction to the three sorting algorithms:
bubble sort,
insertion sort and
merge sort
 
WHO IS IT FOR?
Suitable for higher KS3 classes and GCSE Computer Science classes.