Walworth’s Lian Sydorowicz was one of four students who survived their first encounter with Neumann University’s new Math Escape Room at its launch on February 7. 

Faced with the challenge of analyzing the possible merger of two companies,  Sydorowicz successfully solved eight equations and presented a recommendation in 23 minutes and 14 seconds. “Experiences like this really incorporate things you learn in the classroom into real life,” said Sydorowicz, “and it’s fun to be competitive.”

Although “Math Escape Room” sounds like the title of a horror film, Neumann students are using the space in the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center as an enjoyable way to practice mathematical and critical-thinking skills in friendly competition.

The escape room presents a group of four students with a real-life scenario in which they have to solve a series of math problems or puzzles to “escape” from the room. The students work collaboratively and compete with other groups to solve the challenge as quickly as possible. The space is equipped with a large digital screen, a whiteboard, posters with hidden QR codes, and a collection of keys that open small safes and lockboxes with additional clues.