📋 Escape Room Rules & Guidelines

⚠️ Read Carefully Before Starting! ⚠️

Understanding these rules is crucial for your success in the escape room!

🎮 How to Play

🔄 Game Flow

  1. Start at Level 1 and progress sequentially through all 5 levels
  2. Complete each challenge by writing correct Python code
  3. Test your solution using the provided test cases
  4. Submit your answer to unlock the next level
  5. Collect badges as you progress through the challenges

📝 Challenge Format

Each level contains:

  • Problem Statement: What you need to solve
  • Input/Output Examples: Sample data to understand the problem
  • Code Template: Starting code structure
  • Test Cases: Automatic validation of your solution
  • Hints: Available after 2 minutes (optional)

✅ Scoring System

  • Correct Solution: 100 points base score
  • Time Bonus: Extra points for fast completion
    • Under 5 minutes: +50 points
    • Under 3 minutes: +75 points
    • Under 1 minute: +100 points
  • Efficiency Bonus: Points for optimal algorithms
  • No Hints Used: +25 points
  • First Try: +25 points (no incorrect submissions)

💻 Coding Guidelines

✅ Allowed:

  • Python built-in functions (len, str, int, etc.)
  • String methods (.split(), .join(), .replace(), etc.)
  • List operations (slicing, indexing, methods)
  • Basic control structures (if/else, loops)
  • Function definitions (def keyword)
  • Standard library imports (when specified)

❌ Not Allowed:

  • External libraries (unless explicitly permitted)
  • Internet searches during timed challenges
  • Collaboration (this is an individual challenge)
  • Copy-pasting solutions from external sources
  • Using AI assistants (GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, etc.)

🔍 Code Requirements:

  • Readable: Use meaningful variable names
  • Commented: Explain complex logic
  • Efficient: Consider time and space complexity
  • Tested: Ensure your code passes all test cases

💡 Pro Tip:

Focus on correctness first, then optimize for efficiency. A working solution is better than a fast but incorrect one!

📊 Progress & Badges

🏅 Achievement Levels:

Badge Requirements Reward
🥉 Bronze Explorer Complete 3 levels Certificate + 10% grade boost
🥈 Silver Coder Complete 4 levels Certificate + 15% grade boost
🥇 Gold Master Complete all 5 levels Certificate + 20% grade boost
💎 Diamond Elite All levels + perfect scores Special recognition + extra credit

📈 Progress Tracking:

  • Level Completion: Visual progress bar
  • Time Tracking: Total time spent
  • Score Accumulation: Points earned per level
  • Attempt History: Record of all submissions

🔐 Unlock System:

  • Levels unlock sequentially (must complete previous level)
  • Minimum score required: 70% to proceed to next level
  • Retry unlimited: Can reattempt levels to improve scores
  • Save progress: Automatically saved after each completion

🆘 Help & Hints System

💡 When You’re Stuck:

  1. Read the problem carefully - Most issues come from misunderstanding
  2. Check your test cases - Run through examples manually
  3. Use print statements - Debug by printing intermediate values
  4. Break down the problem - Solve smaller parts first
  5. Use hints - Available after 2 minutes (with point deduction)

🎯 Hint System:

  • Level 1 Hints: Basic syntax and approach suggestions
  • Level 2-3 Hints: Algorithm design tips
  • Level 4-5 Hints: Advanced optimization strategies
  • Cost: -10 points per hint used
  • Limit: Maximum 3 hints per level

📞 Emergency Help:

  • Technical issues: Contact instructor immediately
  • Clarification needed: Use the Q&A section
  • Stuck completely: After using all hints, ask for guidance

📊 Assessment & Grading

🎯 Grading Breakdown:

  • Completion (60%): Finishing all levels
  • Correctness (25%): Solutions pass all test cases
  • Efficiency (10%): Code optimization and complexity
  • Code Quality (5%): Readability and documentation

⏰ Time Limits:

  • Per Level: 15 minutes recommended (no hard limit)
  • Total Session: 2 hours maximum
  • Multiple Sessions: Progress saves automatically
  • Extension: Available for students with accommodations

📋 Submission Requirements:

  • All test cases pass: Mandatory for level completion
  • Code comments: Explain your approach
  • Reflection questions: Answer after each level
  • Final summary: Overall learning reflection

⚠️ Important:

This escape room counts as a major assessment for the 3.4 unit. Make sure to:

  • Complete it within the designated timeframe
  • Submit all required components
  • Follow academic integrity guidelines

✅ Ready to Start?

📋 Pre-Flight Checklist