Students in Diana Gru’s seventh grade Social Studies classes were challenged to figure out puzzles, answer questions and crack a code that would enable them to open a tangle of locks on two small, black boxes in their classroom.

They were supposedly helping to solve a major art heist — the ‘Mona Lisa’ painting had been stolen — and they needed to help each other and conduct research to solve the crime. They also had to beat the clock. Diana, who offered subtle suggestions when the students got stuck, said the activity on September 7 was actually a community-building exercise and only loosely connected to what the students will study this year.

One group solved the puzzle in 51 minutes, and then headed down to the Middle School office to claim their prize — Starburst candies — from Administrative Assistant Regina Lynch.

“Good job, everybody! High five!” said one of the students, Camille, as she congratulated her classmates.

After solving the puzzle, the students settled back into a circle in their classroom to reflect on the experience. Among the questions they answered were these: “How did your group work well together?” “How could your group have been more efficient?” and “Who did you notice was a quiet leader?”