Pune: Students at Vidya Valley School turned an interhouse competition into a world of puzzles and clues in the Mystery Room Challenge for classes VI to X.The Challenge saw students transform eight classrooms into themed spaces, with each of the four houses creating one junior and one senior mystery room. Instead of just solving puzzles, students had to design the mystery themselves, building storylines, clues, props and challenges within limited time and budgets.One room took students into the world of Ancient Indian Art, while another centred on an expedition to Everest. Other themes included Robot Rescue, Nalanda University, a lost House Cup, a missing school bell, a Library of Lost Books and a hackers challenge. The activity required them to plan an experience for the visitor, turning a classroom into an interactive setting.“We wanted students to experience creativity as something they build with their own hands rather than something that is confined to an art activity. Students were pushed to use practical alternatives instead of expensive materials, using recyclable and reusable materials,” said Ipsita Rodricks, director of the school.The competition was conceptualised by school director Ipsita Rodricks, while Vibhuti Yadav and Joyeeta Adhikari planned and coordinated the Mystery Room Challenge. School adviser Shekhar Pimpalkhare provided guidance.
