Escape rooms are immersive escape games that require collaboration to solve puzzles and challenges. They are intrinsically motivating for students due to their challenging and collaborative nature, encouraging them to work together, think critically, and become actively involved in the learning process. The adrenaline rush of solving the challenges within a limited time creates a dynamic, fun and engaging classroom environment (Cruz, 2020).

Several authors recognise that escape rooms, as a set of gamified approaches, can be used to develop mathematical knowledge in various topics present in Essential Learning in Mathematics (Claudio, Machancoses & Piqueras, 2019; García-Tudela, 2018).

With this in mind, a qualitative study was carried out with 19 6th grade students from a school in the district of Porto, aiming to analyze the influence of escape rooms on students' motivation and involvement in mathematical tasks. Two escape rooms were implemented in two lessons of 50 minutes each. Data analysis was based on direct and participant observation, photographic records, and documentary analysis.

The escape rooms provided students with a practical and collaborative experience, where they played an active role in building their mathematical knowledge, working together to overcome challenges and achieve a common goal. It was observed that the escape rooms not only promoted the development of mathematical knowledge, but also enhanced communication, teamwork and conflict resolution, essential skills for the integral development of students, according to the Profile of Students Leaving Compulsory Schooling (2017).

Through a fun and challenging experience, the escape rooms help students deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and develop essential skills for the future. In addition, they offer an interdisciplinary approach, combining different areas of knowledge, such as mathematics and art. The design of the learning activities included elements of games and escape rooms, encouraging students to solve puzzles and codes in pairs or trios, stimulating communication and critical and creative thinking, key aspects to be developed continuously throughout schooling.

Although the inclusion of escape rooms requires careful planning and organization of lessons, as well as the management of technological resources and creativity on the part of the teacher, the results show that this approach is highly relevant to students' motivation and involvement in the learning process.

Keywords: Escape Rooms, Motivation, Mathematic, Pedagogical Innovation, 6th grade students.