Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
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Group Building Activity
Escape Box My Diversity, Our Strength
The Escape Box “My Diversity, Our Strength” is an innovative educational tool designed to challenge gender stereotypes and inspire young people—especially girls—to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Aims of the tool
The aim of the Escape Box “My Diversity, Our Strength” is to raise awareness about gender stereotypes in STEM and to empower young people—especially girls—to see themselves as capable and confident in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Through an interactive, game-based experience, the tool seeks to:
-Challenge and deconstruct stereotypes that limit girls’ participation and interest in STEM subjects.
-Encourage teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a playful and inclusive environment.
-Strengthen STEM-related competencies through hands-on, experiential learning activities.
-Promote reflection and discussion on equality, diversity, and inclusion in education and work contexts.
-Inspire motivation and curiosity by showcasing diverse role models and demonstrating that STEM careers are open to everyone, regardless of gender or background.
Description of the tool
The Escape Box “My Diversity, Our Strength” is an interactive educational tool that uses the principles of game-based learning and non-formal education to foster curiosity, teamwork, and reflection among young people. Designed as a portable escape game, it challenges participants to solve a sequence of puzzles and missions connected to real-world STEM topics and stories of diverse role models. Each challenge encourages logical thinking, creativity, and collaboration while prompting reflection on gender stereotypes and inclusivity in science and technology.
By engaging with the Escape Box, participants will:
-Develop key STEM competencies, such as problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and creativity.
-Enhance collaboration and communication skills through teamwork and shared decision-making.
-Increase awareness of gender stereotypes and how they influence career choices and self-perception.
-Build self-confidence and motivation to explore STEM-related learning paths and professions.
-Foster open-mindedness and inclusion, learning to value diversity as a source of innovation and strength.
Disclaimer
SALTO cannot be held responsible for the inappropriate use of these training tools. Always adapt training tools to your aims, context, target group and to your own skills! These tools have been used in a variety of formats and situations. Please notify SALTO should you know about the origin of or copyright on this tool.
Tool overview
http://toolbox.salto-youth.net/5203
This tool is for
The target group of the Escape Box “My Diversity, Our Strength” includes: -Young people, with a special focus on girls and those underrepresented in STEM fields. The tool aims to spark their curiosity, challenge gender stereotypes, and motivate them to consider future studies or careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. -Youth workers, educators, and teachers, who can use the Escape Box as an engaging non-formal learning resource to promote inclusion, teamwork, and critical thinking in their educational activities. The game is designed to be flexible and adaptable, making it suitable for use in schools, youth centers, STEM clubs, workshops, and community events. It supports facilitators in creating a safe, inclusive, and motivating learning environment where all participants—regardless of gender, background, or ability—can actively engage, collaborate, and discover the joy of learning through play.
and addresses
Gender issues
It is recommended for use in:
Youth Exchanges
Materials needed:
The Escape Box “My Diversity, Our Strength” is designed as a portable, ready-to-use learning kit.
To run the activity, facilitators will need:
The Escape Box kit, which includes:
-A set of thematic puzzles and clues related to STEM and gender diversity.
-Locks, keys, codes, and envelopes containing challenges or hidden information.
-Props and game cards.
-A facilitator’s guide with instructions, learning objectives, and debriefing suggestions.
Basic setup materials for any classroom or workshop space:
-Tables and chairs for group collaboration.
-Paper, pens, and markers for note-taking or solving logic tasks.
Duration:
The Escape Box “My Diversity, Our Strength” experience typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the group size, age, and facilitation style.
The structure is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different educational settings:
-Game phase (30–45 minutes): participants work in teams to solve a sequence of STEM-related puzzles and challenges, unlocking clues and progressing through the storyline. The level of difficulty can be adjusted to fit the group’s age or experience.
- Debriefing and reflection (15–20 minutes): after completing the game, a guided discussion helps participants reflect on what they learned — about teamwork, problem-solving, and especially about gender stereotypes, inclusion, and diversity in STEM. This is a crucial part of the experience, transforming play into meaningful learning.
Behind the tool
The tool was created by
Escape4Change
in the context of
My Diversity, Our Strength E+ project
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Elisabetta Bottero (on 7 December 2025)
and last modified
11 November 2025
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