Research Puzzle Patterns
Quiz → Coordinates
Trivia answers provide digits for coordinate formula
Research → Cipher Key
Discovered name/word becomes the Vigenère keyword
Historical Encoding
Message encoded using method from that era
Scavenger Hunt
Find specific facts, first letters spell keyword
Quiz-Style Research
Questions whose answers provide coordinate digits:
Example format:
N 51° AB.CDE W 000° FG.HIJ
A = How many wives did Henry VIII have?
B = In what century was the Domesday Book compiled? (digit only)
CDE = Year the Great Fire of London started minus 1600
...
Question Design Tips
- Single correct answer: Avoid ambiguous questions
- Verifiable sources: Wikipedia, official sites
- Thematic connection: Questions relate to cache theme
- Difficulty progression: Start easy, get harder
Research → Cipher Key
Research reveals information needed to decode a cipher:
Example:
"This church was designed by a famous architect. His surname is the key to decoding the coordinates below."
[Vigenère-encrypted text]
Research reveals: Christopher Wren designed the church
Key = WREN
Key Sources
- Names of architects, artists, historical figures
- Place names, street names, building names
- Scientific terms, species names
- Historical events, battle names
Research + Word Values
Research a name or term, then calculate its A1Z26 value:
Example:
"The famous naturalist who lived nearby developed a theory that shook the world.
N 51° AB.CDE where CDE = word value of his surname"
Research: Charles Darwin lived in Down House nearby
DARWIN = 4+1+18+23+9+14 = 69
CDE = 069
Research Scavenger Hunt
Multiple research tasks whose answers form a keyword:
Example:
Answer these questions. The first letter of each answer spells the cipher key:
1. Element with atomic number 7: Nitrogen
2. Planet closest to the sun: O..wait, Mercury starts with M
(Shows importance of testing!)
Tip: Create your keyword first, then find questions whose answers start with those letters. It's much easier than the reverse!
Complete Example
Cache Title: "Local History Quiz"
Cache description:
"Test your knowledge of local history! Answer these questions to find the cache:
N 51° AB.CDE W 000° FG.HIJ
A = Number of monarchs named George
B = Century when the local church was built (1st digit)
C = Number of wives Henry VIII had
D = Year of Great Fire of London ÷ 1000 (round down)
E = Number of letters in the architect's first name (St Paul's)
FG = Year the local pub was established − 1800
HIJ = Word value of the pub's name (use A=1, Z=26, sum all letters)"
Solution path:
A = 4 (George I, II, III, IV... wait, plus George V, VI = 6?)
This shows why clear, unambiguous questions matter!
Always verify your research questions have single correct answers.
Pro Tips
- Verify every answer. Research questions that seem obvious often have alternative answers. Double-check everything.
- Cite sources. If using obscure facts, mention where solvers can find the answer (specific Wikipedia page, official site).
- Avoid time-sensitive facts. "Current population" or "number of members" changes. Use historical facts.
- Test with non-experts. What's obvious to you may be challenging for others, and vice versa.
- Provide a checker. Research puzzles have many potential wrong turns. A coordinate checker helps frustrated solvers.