LabEscape, A Science-Based Escape Room: Where We Are, and How We Got Here*

Based on APS seed money, we have set up what we believe is the world’s first science-based escape room: LabEscape. By interacting with physics components in the room, participants uncover clues that allow them to solve the mystery of missing quantum physicist Professor Alberta Schrodenberg, and escape! Our goal is to show that science can be useful and accessible (no prior background is assumed), as well as beautiful and even fun! The room is operated by undergraduate STEM students, and most of the puzzles were created by them as well, all based on physics phenomena, including polarization, refraction, induction, lasers, etc. Along the way the Agents directly experience some key aspects of scientific research, and are exposed to basic themes in quantum information. To date we’ve had nearly 4000 participants, and received near perfect reviews. For more information, see LabEscape.org; to sign up at APS, visit LabEscape.org/APS/.