Escape the Quake – an educational escape room on geothermal energy and associated risk of induced seismicity

Geothermal energy might play a key component in the energy transition. Compared to other renewable energies such as wind and solar power, it is readily available, independent of weather conditions. In Germany, geothermal power is underdeveloped, partly as a result of unclear policies which hinder exploration. General knowledge in the public is minimal and often biased by media reports on failed projects, especially in conjunction with induced seismicity. To overcome this knowledge gap and work towards a higher acceptance of geothermal energy, we want to target the young generation. In current study plans in schools, geothermal energy is underrepresented and changes in those plans are generally slow.

Gamification offers a great tool as an alternative to classic frontal teaching and offers the possibility of self-motivated learning. Escape rooms have experienced a rise in popularity in the last decade, and naturally foster team work to overcome challenges. Some escape rooms in science centers or museums already web scientific content into a game, where application of, for example physical principles are used to find solutions.

At the University of Mainz, the “Future Institute” was developed, a fictious institute focused on mitigating the climate crisis. But the scientists were kidnapped and most of the data is hidden. Students can visit the institute, where each room is an office of a scientist. Clues can be found in the room to reconstruct data, convey experiments and finally “escape”.

Our room focusses on geothermal energy and the inherited risk of seismic events related to production. Physical principles like heat flow, porosity and permeability and geological faults are worked into the story line and puzzles.