On 7 November, 11th and 12th-grade students from Riga secondary schools will participate in the logic game “Riga Puzzle Day,” 250 students in teams of up to 3 members will solve ten logic games adapted from the prestigious Harvard University.

“Riga Puzzle Day” aims to engage young people in problem-solving, strengthen students’ teamwork skills, and foster creative thinking. These logic challenges combine multiple skills and provide a foundation for further development of STEM skills.

“Today, developing students’ interest and understanding of science is crucial. “Riga Puzzle Day” gives high school students a world-class opportunity to improve their skills in solving complex logic puzzles in collaboration with other young people. Significantly, we can draw on global best practices, such as those offered by Harvard University, and young people can develop their logical and analytical thinking through tasks and activities that are recognized among young people themselves. Teamwork, cooperation skills, and the ability to creatively approach problems are the qualities we want to foster in our students, and such initiatives help to develop life skills that are useful every day,” says Laima Geikina, Chair of the Education, Culture, and Sport Committee of the Riga City Council.

“Riga Business School’s strong PreUniversity block creates new and valuable experiences for young people, especially in business and technology. One of these initiatives is “Riga Puzzle Day” – a logic game that helps high school students develop logic skills and creative thinking and fosters cooperation and community spirit,” says Inese Muzikante, Acting Director of Riga Business School.

The idea of the Puzzle Day game, adapted from Harvard University, has gained recognition among Latvian secondary schools, including those in Riga, Ogre, and Sigulda. This autumn, other municipalities have also taken the initiative to organize the game for secondary school students in their municipalities.

Addressing the lack of quality teaching materials in fast-changing sectors such as IT, Riga Business School, as a unit of Riga Technical University, launched the introduction of the world-renowned Harvard University CS50 computer science course in Latvian secondary schools in 2022, translating teaching materials and training 45 programming teachers so far. “Puzzle Day” is traditionally organized as part of CS50, inviting the course participants and their friends to participate.

The event will also be of value to the teachers themselves, as they will have the opportunity to participate in an information session on professional and personal skills development alongside the students’ problem-solving.

Riga students from 11th and 12th grades are invited to participate in the logic game. Information about applying for the logic game has been sent to 63 secondary education institutions under the jurisdiction of the Riga City Municipality. These schools have almost 5 493 pupils in 11th and 12th grades. Students wishing to participate should apply to their class teacher or school management.

“Riga Puzzle Day” is organized by Riga City Municipality and Riga Business School as a unit of Riga Technical University in cooperation with Luminor Bank. Ozoco, MyFitness, and Brain Games will also support the event.

More information about Riga Puzzle Day: https://rbs.lv/lv/event/riga-puzzle-day-2/

The event will occur at Fantadrom, Gustava Zemgala Gatve 76, Riga.