THE SECRET ROOM

A. Tell the team: "This will be a verbal challenge. You have 1 minute to select the five team members who will compete. The others may sit in these seats (indicate seats) and watch or be escorted from the room. They may not assist in solving the problem and may not talk at any time. Any participation by a designated non-participating team member, will result in a scoring deduction against the entire team."

B. JUDGE READS TO THE TEAMS:

1. You will have 1 minute to think and two minutes to respond. You may ask the judges questions: however, time will continue. You may not talk to each other at any time.

2. Once time begins, it will not be stopped, even if a judge asks you to repeat a response, clarify it, or give a more appropriate response. Speak loudly and clearly.

3. You will respond in order. You must wait until your teammate finishes their response before another response can be given.

4. You may not skip your turn, or repeat or pass. If one member of your team is stuck, the others must wait until that person responds.

5. You must stop when the judge says that time is up.

6. You will receive 1 point for each common response and 5 points for each highly creative or humorous response.

7. Your verbal challenge is: Under the rug in the entry way, is a trap door that you have found. You carefully go down the ladder, pushing away cob webs, and come to a small room with a dirt floor. What could this area have been used for?? While you are looking around, you find a loose brink in the wall and behind it is an odd looking key. (Judge holds up the key) Your challenge is to imagine what this room was used for, and what this strange key unlocks.

(Repeat the text: Begin by saying, "I repeat…")

Variations: Advanced Level
FLIGHT TO FREEDOM

Many of the houses in my area (outside of Philadelphia) were known for being Quaker Safe Houses before and during America's Civil War (1861-1865). These homes had hiding places for run-away slaves who were traveling north to freedom. This will be a three part verbal challenge. Your team's challenge is to imagine that they are a family traveling to freedom. What are some of the hazards you have had to face?

You have 3 minutes to think and two minutes to respond in order. You MAY speak to each other during your thinking time. You will receive 1 point for a common answer and 5 points for a creative answer.

In Part 2, what was your most creative answer? Your team will have one minute to decide and present it to the judge for a score of 1-15 points.

In Part 3, you will have another two minutes to talk to each other and present your 'family's' solution to this hazard. Take up to two minutes to present your solution. You will receive 1-20 points for your presentation and 1-15 points for how well you worked together as a 'family.'