Game-based nanoeducation: a hybrid escape room as an informal learning environment for nanoscale science

Nanotechnology involves manipulating matter at the nanoscale (approximately 1–100 nm), where materials often exhibit properties that differ from their bulk forms. Nanomaterials are widely used in medicine, energy, environmental applications, and other fields. Despite its scientific and societal importance, integrating nanoscale science and technology (NST) into secondary education remains challenging. Constraints include limited curricular time, insufficient teacher preparation, and students’ difficulties in understanding scale and size-dependent phenomena. This study describes the development and evaluation of a hybrid Nano Escape Room (Nano EsRm) designed as an informal learning environment for introducing key NST concepts. Grounded in the Six Strands of Science Proficiency framework, the activity integrates gamification, hands-on experiments, digital guidance, and collaborative puzzles. It addresses central nanoscale ideas, including size and scale, size-dependent properties, characterization methods, graphene structure, and real-world applications. Data from 176 students and 49 teachers indicate high student interest and perceived learning gains, with moderate support for conceptual understanding. Teachers evaluated the experience positively, identified the targeted nanoscale concepts, and expressed strong willingness to implement the activity in their classrooms. The findings suggest that structured, game-based informal learning environments provide an accessible approach for introducing complex nanoscale concepts in secondary education.