Poison in Princeton: A Sherlock Holmes Escape Room

sherlock holmes escape room

You might recall the sneak peek of our Sherlock Holmes escape room. Now it’s time to unveil all its secrets! It all started when our gang did a professional escape room for my birthday weekend. Katie and I thought the puzzle-solving premise of the escape room would pair perfectly with the literary world’s master of deduction.

bottle solvingThis entire escape room – the research, the puzzles, the narrative, the props, the logistics – is all Katie’s doing! Her preparations were extensive. She watched escape room videos, visited escape rooms, and had a meeting with game master Rebecca Ross from “Epic Escape Game” in Greenwood Village, Colorado. She bounced clue ideas around with Princeton University student Anna Leader (she of Victorian Tea fame) and pretested everything on a group of 6th graders at the Saint Paul School of Princeton. The logistics were pretty staggering too. We ran 3 identical escape rooms simultaneously for 5 hours,180 kids total.

solving pop sci

The premise of the escape room was that a poison had been released into the water system of Princeton, and Princeton University asked Sherlock Holmes to quickly find an antidote. He did, but a nefarious group of business men were trying to capture him, steal the antidote, and sell it to the infected populace. Holmes escaped and hid the antidote in a room with clues on how to find it. Kids had 20 minutes to solve the clues and identify the antidote.

The escape rooms took place in East Pyne Hall on campus. Its beautiful wood-paneled classrooms with leaded windows were the perfect setting for a Victorian caper.

east pyneUpon entering the room, kids found a large wooden desk with a number of items scattered on it. A teacup, teabag, an old map of London, a magnifying glass, books, photos, trade cards, a key, and an issue of Popular Science.

desktopAs I mentioned in the sneak peek, the trade cards, Popular Science, photos, and books are real objects from that period (sooooo cool). Also in the classroom were 8-10 Princeton University test booklets…

test bookletsFive bottles on the windowsill with scientific labels (Katie filled the bottles with items from her pantry, and hot glued the corks in really, really tight!)…

bottlesThere was a padlocked wooden box, which was in turn chained to a radiator grate…

locked box and keyAlso chained to the radiator (and far, far out of range of the box) was a key that had an unusual letter lock.

letter lockAdditionally, the room had two signs posted on opposite walls. An alphabet:

alphabet cipherAnd a figurine code. Holmes fans will recognize this as the famous “Dancing Men” cipher.

dancing men cipherThe blackboard also contained some clues…

clues on blackboardFinally, we had “Do Not Touch” signs posted in the room for over-eager investigators. You’re definitely going to need these…kids tear the rooms up looking for clues!

do not touch trapdoordo not touch flatscreenHere’s how all the clues worked, and the final solution. Hidden inside (and on) the various objects were Dancing Men clues. There was one inside a book:

book clue

One spread across the back of 2 test booklets…

test booklet clue

There was one on the back of the tea bag…

tea bag clueOne on an old map of London (you needed the magnifying glass to find it):

map clueFinally, there was one in a dyspepsia ad in Popular Science.

popular science clueThe last two clues were a little hard to find, so we left hints on the blackboard…

scotland yard hintdyspepsia hintThe Dancing Men clues corresponded to the 2 signs on the wall. Each figurine matched a different letter of the alphabet.

dancing men cipher

alphabet cipher

However, the signs were posted on opposing walls. So the kids had to cooperate to solve them. Teamwork! Did you notice the Roman numeral on each Dancing Men clue? Those were the order in which you dialed the letters on the letter lock.

letter lockOnce the key was released from the letter lock, it opened the padlock on the wooden box.

solving box clueInside the box was an old-fashioned periodic table with the words “I’ve found it!” scrawled on it. Elements hydrogen (H), sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and phosphorous (P) were circled as well.

periodic table clueKids matched the circled elements to the correct label on the antidote bottle. And we made sure it was an actual antidote. Sodium hydrogen orthophosphate is a saline laxative agent (something Katie’s 11 year-old finds endlessly amusing).

final solutionThe kids took the bottle to the game master, who confirmed that they had solved the escape room! We had a game master in each room, dropping hints when needed, preventing parents from solving puzzles, and generally keeping kids on task. Here are our 3 amazing game masters, Princeton University students Anna Leader, Anne Merrill, and Erica Choi.

game mastersAs kids exited the room, the game masters awarded them their choice of a souvenir key to take home!

key prizeBut wait, you say, what about the photographs, the trade cards, the key on the desk, and all that other writing on the blackboard? Hah HAH! Those are all red herrings, added to throw kids off. Because it wouldn’t be an escape room without red herrings!

red herrings

And how did the escape room go over? Very, very, well! There was excited screaming, running, urgent problem solving, clever work-arounds, and hilarious dialogue. Two of our favorites as heard through the door: “For the LOVE! Will someone please FIND Scotland Yard?!?” and this one (presumably when the periodic table was discovered): “Oh my gosh…guys! We all got Ds in science class!” Most kids finished the room right at the 20 minutes mark. The record? 12 minutes, my dear Watson.

To conclude, here is a list of hints for running the room. If you have any specific questions, or want to know where we found/ bought our items, feel free to e-mail Katie: zondlo@princeton.edu

  • Our room was designed for ages 9-14. A maximum of 6 kids participated per room.
  • Make sure participants arrive at least 10 minutes before the game begins. We were very clear in all promotional and registration material that late arrivals would not be admitted.
  • Have a waiting area for participants, and try to keep it away from the the actual escape room so no one overhears the puzzles being solved.
  • Make sure all clues are printed. Not all kids can read cursive. We learned this the hard way.
  • Test everything in advance! Make sure the locks slide into the objects they’re supposed to lock! Again, learned this the hard way.
  • Make sure you have backups of every clue and object in case something breaks or wanders away (scotch tape for paper repairs is a good idea too).
  • Make sure the game masters know the game. We ran them through the room once, and we gave them cheat sheets on event day.
  • Bring cell phone chargers. Our 20 minute game timers were our cell phones. Woe to ye who runs out of battery!

Many thanks to everyone who helped us put this escape room together! Thank you Rebecca Ross from Epic Escape Game for fielding our endless questions. Anna Leader, thank you for helping with the puzzles! Thank you to Anne Merrill, Erica Choi, and Anna for being such excellent game masters. To the young investigators at Saint Paul School Princeton, thank you for enthusiastically testing our room. And finally, a BIG tip of the deerstalker to Katie for putting this all together. You are an escape room MASTER!

Don’t Touch the Tiger

don't touch the tigerTyger Tyger burning bright! Make it past the teeth, and you’ll be all right!

We recommend reading Beware of Tigers by Dave Horowitz (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2006). Feathered friends Chirp and Birp are laughingly incredulous that a tiger is in their city, despite warnings from others. Well, there IS a tiger, and he is more than happy to entertain two tasty little birds. As his smile grows wider and wider, Chirp and Birp realize that perhaps cuddling up with a tiger isn’t such a great idea. Good thing they have a friend with even bigger teeth!

You’ll need:

  • 1 large tissue box
  • Construction paper
  • Scissors, tape, and/or glue for construction
  • Markers for decorating (optional)

This project is a modification of a Valentine’s box I pinned and swore I would find a use for. Yes! Begin by covering a large tissue box with orange construction paper. Next, use more construction paper to add a nose, eyes, and stripes (or draw them on with markers). The teeth are construction paper too.

To play the game, place several objects in the tiger’s mouth. Then challenge kids to gently reach in, and – without moving, tapping, or knocking over the tiger – remove the objects. The objects can be anything. For younger kids, it might be best to use something that stick out past the mouth like drinking straws. For older kids, smaller objects like jingle bells, foam beads, or pom-poms work!

tiger straws

Believe it or not, we have more chomping creature projects on the blog. Check out our cookie-consuming cow here, and our monster food chain here. Need some dental assistance? We have your crocodile care kit right here.

The Dyslexic Librarian

welcome to my world

You all know Marissa, right? My artistic assistant, friend, and go-to companion for donut binges. You might also recall that Marissa is currently in library school at Rutgers University. But what some people do not know about Marissa Warren is that she is severely Dyslexic. A Dyslexic librarian? Is that possible?

What I’ve learned is that when it comes to Marissa, ANYTHING is possible.

In 2016, Marissa did a fantastic presentation for local parents called “Marissa Can’t Read.” It detailed her journey through childhood (she couldn’t read until she was 11!), her progression to college (she majored in History and learned Greek!), and what she hopes to accomplish in the future (ultimately, being a Youth Services librarian!). After her talk, many parents, teens, and kids came forward to thank her for giving them hope and inspiration. She also received thank you cards, e-mails, and personal letters.

Yup. That’s our amazing Marissa.

I caught up with Marissa recently to get her insights on literacy, libraries, and being a Dyslexic in the kingdom of words.


Describe your relationship with books when you were growing up.

As strange as it may seem, I loved books from a very young age. I had my own mini library in my house growing up and I would take books off the shelves and make up my own stories. Looking at letters on a page was like looking at abstract art. I wanted so badly to be able to read them. It wasn’t until I was 11 that letters started to come together to form words that my brain could recognize. I was still a slow reader but as I read more I struggled less and my reading became more fluid. Once I was able to, I read everything.

When were you first diagnosed with Dyslexia?

I was diagnosed with Dyslexia in first grade. At the time I was in a private school but due to the lack of support and understanding I was asked to leave. After I attend a school that was geared for students with Dyslexia. In my freshman year of college I was formally diagnosed with ADHD and Dyscalculia which is the math equivalent of Dyslexia. Being diagnosed with ADHD and Dyscalculia later on in my schooling was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. There was a reason why I struggled to read but until then there hadn’t been a reason for my struggle with numbers. Being diagnosed was a validating moment.

Why did you decide to become a Youth Services librarian?

As a I got older it became clear pretty quickly that many individuals with Dyslexia didn’t like to read. Books, reading, libraries, and asking for help can be very intimidating. Even as an undergrad I was still uncomfortable asking for help in a library. There’s this fear of: What if the librarian judges me for asking for help or what if I have to tell them my secret? For a long time asking for help came with feelings of shame, which is why I avoided libraries for so long. Becoming a Youth Services librarian allows me to advocate for individuals with varying learning differences.

I’ve had several parents embarrassed that their child is struggling with reading or kids embarrassed about asking for help. The first thing I tell them every time is that I’m Dyslexic, I understand. More often than not either the child or parent lights up and says, “me too!” They go from blushing and whispering to relaxed and almost excited. Being able to connect with kids and adults who are struggling to feel like they are welcome in a place filled with words they might not be able to read is so rewarding. I decided to become a Youth Services librarian to not only shake up the idea that someone with Dyslexia could never succeed in a world of books but to also bring awareness and change to how people struggling with Dyslexia can be better integrated into the library community.

What are some helpful tools/resources or techniques you’ve utilized while working on your library degree?

My study habits change every semester depending on the courses I’m taking. What works one semester may not work another. I am constantly trying new study routines or study spaces. A few helpful hints:

  • Planning: I plan out my whole semester before it starts. I color code each course and write down due dates on a calendar I keep above my dresser, in my day timer, and in Google calendar. It might seem like overkill but I’m bound to look at one of them during the day. Additionally, I make weekly To Do lists broken down by class. Marking off each completed assignment is rewarding.
  • Time Management: This seems like an obvious one but because my brain works differently I know I need to build in extra time, especially in the beginning of the semester while I’m getting acquainted with my classes and professors.
  • Communication: I receive special accommodations through my university. I email each professor at the beginning of the semester to let them know I’m Dyslexic, what accommodations I’ve been granted, and invite them to ask questions. Throughout the semester I email my professors weekly to ask questions about assignments, concerns, confessions, etc. I’ve learned it’s better to send 20 emails until I understand an assignment than it is to quietly struggle.
  • Snacks: Food is crucial! My brain is working hard so I need to make sure I’m eating enough to keep going. It’s like trying to drive a car without fuel. You can run on fumes for a while but eventually you’ll stall out.
  • Helpful Tools: For reading I use a combination of different tools. I have to mix it up since reading is so mentally exhausting. I use a Kindle which has the OpenDyslexi font, Kurzweil 3000, books, printouts so I can highlight, Audible, and bookshare. Also, highlighters. Pink is for the big idea, orange is for key topics, and yellow for the important details.

Can you share your perspectives on what it means to be a librarian with Dyslexia?

It’s awesome being a Dyslexic librarian. When I tell people that I have Dyslexia they’re always shocked that I decided to take this route. Even though I’m an adult working in a library I still struggle. When I’m tired or hungry I tend to have more issues with reading and make more mistakes. The letters move around a lot more than they usually do. I’ve learned the best way to handle my mistakes is to laugh at them. Honestly, some of the mistakes I make are pretty funny.

Being in this position gives me the chance to bring awareness of the many differences that people have which may not always be visible. I’ve had parents tell me how encouraging it was for them to see and talk to someone who struggles with reading like they do. Working in a position where there are few individuals with Dyslexia, I feel so lucky that I have made it this far because it wasn’t an easy journey.

What would you recommend for dyslexic readers (both children and adults!) who are hesitant to come to your library, or feel it isn’t a place for them?

Something that I work hard at and I think every library should strive for to be judgment free.
It’s my job as a librarian to create a space in which patrons feel safe and comfortable asking for help.

First, I would tell them that I am also Dyslexic. Second, I would explain that I want them to feel comfortable coming to the library and I would be more than happy to help them if that’s what it takes. This would extend beyond Youth Services – from signing up for a library card to finding a book in the adult nonfiction section. I’m not restricted to staying in Youth Services. Third, the library is so much more than just books! We have daily programs, clubs, and events. There is something for everyone at the library and I want to help them find their place.

We usually hear about the negative aspects of reading and Dyslexia (Ex: Dyslexia means you can’t read, you can’t enjoy books). Do you have some positive associations with reading and dyslexia?

Being Dyslexic is like having a super power. We don’t see the world like everyone else. For me, when I read the words come alive. The story becomes a movie.

Additionally, I’ve spent so much time not being able to read signs, menus, instructions, etc. that I’ve had to learn to be resourceful. When you have Dyslexia you learn tricks that help you navigate through the world. They come in handy in ways I never thought they would. In college, I was fortunate to have the chance to study in New Zealand and Greece. I traveled quite a bit to other countries, some of which didn’t speak English. Not being able to read for so long I felt quite comfortable when I was traveling in these places. I was able to use the skills I had learned as a child to get by. This realization, in a strange way, was comforting.

Your Instagram has awesome little book projects and tributes. Can you talk a little bit about creativity and literacy?

There are endless creative ways to make connections for children. Using creativity extends beyond making literacy connections to science, math, geography, art, music, etc. One of the benefits to working in a library setting is that we don’t have the academic restraints that schools do. Libraries can be a place where kids come to explore, experiment, and discover connections and interests without pressure.

When I read picture books, fiction, or nonfiction certain aspects of the book jump out at me. It’s then that my brain starts to form a project, program, or game. I have a long list of books and projects ideas that I hope to use.

What are you up to now?

I’m getting close to finishing my masters! I have one semester left in the fall. This March I will be attending Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Bologna, Italy. I will be interviewing international book sellers for a course I’m taking on international children’s books. Additionally, I’ve been learning the ins and outs of the public library world by creating programs and learning to run story times at the Princeton Public Library. Of course, I will continue to be inspired by books and create projects from them.


I’d like to conclude this interview with what I’m calling the”Marissa Warren Hall of Fame.” These are some projects, sets, and programs that she put her marvelous talents into. The last one is a doozy!

1950s DINER

order-upStory time set for Hamburger Heaven (Houghton Mifflin, 1999).


SUBMARINE

see-worthy subSimple project for Rub-a-Dub Sub (Harcourt, 2003).


PIG MARCHING BAND

pigs on paradeBlog set piece created for Pig Parade (Simon & Schuster, 2010).


MULTI-LENS CAMERA

next-stop-cannes

Story time project for Young Charlotte, Filmmaker (Harry N. Abrams, 2015).


HAUNTED HOUSE

i-aint-afraid-of-no-ghostStory time set for I’m Not Afraid of this Haunted House (Carolrhoda Books, 2005).


VW BUS

night riderSimple project for Night Light (Orchard Books, 2013)


BUTTERFLY GARDEN

butterflies in the parkStory time set for Butterfly Park (Running Press, 2015).


ANYTHING WITH A DINOSAUR ONESIE

a good knight's kissAs seen at The Kiss That Missed (Barron’s Educational Series, 2002) story time and The Library Dragon (Peachtree, 1994) story time. And, uh, sometimes we just wore these around the office.


VICTORIAN TEA

tea table 3Contributions included historical research and program design. Plus, rocking that hat.


AND FINALLY…

Marissa mentioned that she has Dyscalculia, the math equivalent of Dyslexia. I have it too. In spades. Well, as fortune would have it, Norton Juster was coming to campus for my live webcast, and Marissa and I decided it would be awesome to create large-scale event about the mathematical kingdom in The Phantom Tollbooth.

It was hard. We almost quit at least 5 times. But we stuck in there and had a sense of humor about it. There were times when we would end up laughing hysterically because we couldn’t figure out a simple concept from a children’s math book. But in the end, success! We delivered a unique event for both the math-phobic and the math-phillic. So the final Marissa Warren Hall of Fame entry goes to…

A DAY IN DIGITOPOLIS!

front of shirtsCo-partnered with Bedtime Math, the event involved 4 local businesses, 5 non-profit organizations and community groups, 2 University departments/organizations, 6 University student groups, 6 individual University students, and the combined forces of dozens of University student volunteers. The event was so huge, I had to break it down into 2 blog posts. Here’s Part I, and here’s Part II.

mathamagician 2no right turn maze at eventabacus races 2Radiance by Matt Elsonmusical fractionsglow-in-the-dark geometrydigitopolis welcome desk3D model 1


Marissa, is it an honor to know you, and one of the greatest privileges of my career to have worked with you. You’ve shown me how to stand up, and push through, with humor and grace. Go and illuminate the library world girl. You’re a marvel.