Teamwork, critical and higher level thinking, and communication are just some of the skills fourth graders in the Dickinson ISD Gifted and Talented Program are using through a program at the University of Houston - Clear Lake campus. Called "Investigators," this year's GT Academy allows students to choose from two of five courses to take their learning to the next level.

The students attend one course in the fall and a second course in the spring with each course consisting of five visits to UHCL. The courses include Artistic Explorations, Digital Genius, Escape Quest, Journey Through the Animal Kingdom, and World Builders.

"I like the excitement and seeing the students engaged in learning," said Barber Middle School teacher Patricia Allen. "They are thinking outside the box and working with others."

Three of Allen's students were working in the  Escape Room course this fall and all agreed it was a fun and challenging experience. 

"It is really fun being in the Escape  Room. It has a lot of challenges and you have to have a lot of teamwork. It challenges us to understand Morse code," said Zoey Hamilton.

"I am one of those people when given challenges to complete, I want to do my best and not give up. I get to use reading skills to understand the clues," said Mark Krupp.

"I love riddles and challenges. I am a curious person who lives to explore," said Valeria Reyes.

Through the Escape Room challenge, the students learning about the Titanic and the history of Houdini and the Houdini Museum, in addition to Morse code and using clues to solve the Escape Room task. All the students agreed it is a fun way for learning outside their school classroom and they are excited for future visits to UHCL, where they also get to experience a college environment.