School project turns into an escape game Secondary school in Meine trials educational game on the circular economy

On 19 March 2026, an innovative escape game on the circular economy will be trialled for the first time at the Philipp-Melanchthon-Gymnasium in Meine (PMG). The game was originally developed by pupils as part of a year-long school project and subsequently refined in collaboration with Technische Universität Braunschweig and partners from the worlds of science and industry.

The first prototype of the escape game is ready: group photo with pupils from the secondary school in Meine and project staff. Photo credits: BeSu Solutions GmbH

The escape game combines specialist content on the circular economy with interactive puzzles and playful elements. The aim is to make complex topics relating to sustainable development tangible and to test new learning formats.

The project was supported in the development of the game format by Technische Universität Braunschweig and BeSu Solutions GmbH. Content-related input on the circular economy was provided by the KREIS Competence Centre, an interdisciplinary research and transfer project led by TU Braunschweig focusing on sustainable solutions for a functioning circular economy. The game was subsequently further refined by BeSu Solutions.

Idea from a school project

The idea for the Philipp Melanchthon Gymnasium’s escape room originated in Years 9 and 10. Over the course of a school year, pupils work independently and practically on a topic. In small groups, accompanied by teachers and supported by external partners, they develop their own projects. This process particularly strengthens independent work and personal responsibility.

After the trial: Open to further development

The trial on 19 March serves to test the escape game under real-world conditions and to further develop it. The project exemplifies how school-based project work, education for sustainable development and practical collaborations can successfully interact at the interface with university research.

Schools interested in using the escape game format themselves or collaborating on its further development are welcome to contact the project team at any time. Support with implementation and opportunities for exchange are actively offered.

Background: KREIS Competence Centre

The KREIS Competence Centre is an interdisciplinary research and transfer project led by Technische Universität Braunschweig. It focuses on developing sustainable solutions for a functioning circular economy, combining perspectives from technology, labour and organisation. Together with partners from academia and industry, innovative approaches are developed, tested and put into practice.