Escape from Mars Density Challenge

Escape room - style density challenge! Students calculate density to find the right materials to repair a crashed spacecraft, perfect for physical science review.

Density Escape Challenge: Repair the Crash-Landed Spacecraft

Interactive Escape Room Worksheet | Physical Science & Chemistry | Density and Problem Solving

In this immersive escape room-style activity, students take on the role of engineers stranded on Mars after a spacecraft malfunction. To repair the ship and escape, they must calculate the density of various materials and identify which ones are suitable for replacement parts.

Designed originally for 9th grade physical science, this activity adapts easily for middle or high school students who need practice with density calculations. It works beautifully as an in-class challenge, group review, or substitute lesson.

Learning Objectives

By completing this activity, students will be able to:

Apply the density formula (density = mass / volume) to real-world materials.

Use unit analysis to check the reasonableness of their answers.

Evaluate materials based on calculated properties and problem context.

** What’s Included**

Student “mission packet” worksheet

Answer key

Teaching Notes

Works well in pairs or small groups (3–4 students).

Ideal for introductory chemistry or physical science units on matter, measurement, or density.

Add simple props (e.g., envelopes, “mission briefings,” or QR code clues) for a full escape room feel.

Perfect For

Physical science, chemistry, or general science classes

Grades 6- 11

Review sessions or end-of-unit challenges

Sub plans or lab replacements

Keywords

density activity, escape room science, physical science worksheet, chemistry review, density lab alternative, mass and volume practice, interactive science challenge, middle school science, high school chemistry, STEM problem solving