INQUISITRON Theme: ChrysalisI N T R A- S C H O O L C O M P E T I T I O NLADY ANDAL SCHOOL‘Shenstone Park’, No. 7 Harrington Road Chetpet Chennai-600031A UNIT OF THE MADRAS SEVA SADAN 18.09.2026
ABOUT INQUISITRON Inquisitron is a platform that inspires students to explore challenges and create solutions for a sustainable future. Each year, we choose a theme to spark curiosity and innovation through our engaging competitions. This year's theme, ‘Chrysalis,’ invites students to explore the journey of change, growth and transformation. Just as a chrysalis represents a remarkable stage of development before something new emerges, this theme encourages students to discover how ideas, materials, organisms and innovations can adapt, evolve and transform. From simple ideas growing into meaningful creations to challenges transforming into innovative solutions, Chrysalis reveals the power of curiosity, experimentation and imagination. Through fun and interactive events, students will explore how transformation influences science, technology, design, art and creativity. Join us as we celebrate the journey of transformation and discover how every great idea has the potential to emerge into something extraordinary!
The Madras Seva Sadan Established in 1928 by the late Sir Mutha and Lady Andal Venkatasubba Rao, The Madras Seva Sadan stands as one of South India’s oldest and most trusted institutions, dedicated to transforming lives through education, women empowerment, child welfare, social service,culture and sports - guided by the timeless values of compassion, dignity and service with a smile. Vision - Amelioration, advancement and upliftment of men, women, boys and girls in every sphere of life. Mission - To provide for general, academic, cultural, technical, industrial, vocational and other forms of education, without distinction of caste, creed or class, serving the needs of the wealthy and indigent alike. Motto - Service with a smile. Lady Andal School is an integral part of the Madras Seva Sadan (MSS), carrying forward its legacy of education, service, and community development. Together, we strive to nurture responsible, compassionate, and empowered young individuals. Visit our main branch : https://themadrassevasadan.org/units
TimeEventTypeGradeCategory 19.00 AM – 10.00 AMTower Building ChallengeSoloEYP 110.30 AM – 11.30 AMSTEAM Discovery ZoneExperientialEYP 19:00 AM- 10:00 AMTangram ActivitySoloEYP 210:30 AM- 11:30 AMSTEAM Discovery ZoneExperientialEYP 2Category 28.00 AM – 9.00 AMTangram ActivityPairPYP 19.30 AM – 10.30 PMIllustrate the Ages: A Shape's JourneySoloPYP 1EVENTS AT A GLANCE
TimeEventTypeGradeCategory 38.00 AM – 9:00 AMOne Minute to Win ItSoloPYP 2 & 39.30 AM – 10.30 PMBridge BuildersGroupPYP 2 & 3Category 48.00 AM – 9.00 AMPitch a Revolutionary IdeaSoloPYP 4 & 59.30 AM – 10.30 PMThe 1-Sheet TransformationGroupPYP 4 & 5Category 58.00 AM – 9.00 AMThrough the YearsSoloMYP 110:00 AM- 11:00 AMThe Shape of TransformationGroupMYP 1
TimeEventTypeGradeCategory 68.00 AM – 9.00 AMBehind the BreakthroughSoloMYP 2 & 310:00 AM- 11:00 AMReel of TransformationGroupMYP 2 & 3Category 78:00 AM-9:00 AMRebuild the FutureSoloMYP 4 & 5, DP 19:30 AM- 10:30 AMBattle-OnGroupMYP 4 & 5, DP 110:30 AM- 11:30 AMRangometryGroupMYP 4 & 5, DP 1
GENERAL GUIDELINES Participation in all events is mandatory for all students. Students will participate in the event assigned to their respective grade level. Students must wear their school ID card and sports uniform on the day of the event. Students are expected to follow the event-specific guidelines and instructions given by the organisers. Academic integrity, originality and fair play are expected from all participants. Winners will be selected at each grade level for the respective competitions. Points for participation and winning will contribute towards the overall House Points. The House with the highest total points will be awarded the Overall Winning Trophy. Students from PYP 1 onwards are required to bring their lunch and may have it after their competition concludes. Participation certificates will be provided only to EYP 1 and EYP 2 students. Winners will receive a medal and achievement certificate. For any questions or clarifications, please contact the respective Homeroom Teacher.
Time9.00 AM – 10.00 AMGrades applicableEYP 1 - Category 1Type of eventSolo Event, Tower Building ChallengeTOWER BUILDING CHALLENGEObjective Build, balance and reach new heights! Students will transform simple paper cups into a tall, stable and freestanding tower through experimentation, creativity and problem-solving. Inspired by Chrysalis, the challenge encourages students to explore how simple materials can be transformed into something new and purposeful. Guidelines All participants will receive the same set of materials. The tower must be freestanding and stable. No glue, tape or external support may be used. The tower must remain standing when measured. Participants may experiment and modify their design within the allotted time. Judging Criteria Height Stability Creativity & Design Materials Provided Paper cups of different sizes.
Time9:00 AM- 10:00 AMGrades applicableEYP 2 - Category 1Type of eventExperiential, Tangram ActivityTANGRAM ACTIVITYObjective Transform simple shapes into creative forms! Students will explore how geometric pieces can be rearranged and transformed into different figures, developing spatial awareness, creativity and problem-solving skills. Inspired by Chrysalis, the activity celebrates how simple forms can change, combine and emerge into something new. Guidelines Individual participation. Each participant will receive a set of tangram pieces. Complete the given figure(s) within the allotted time. All pieces must be used appropriately. Students may rearrange the pieces to create the required design. Judging Criteria Accuracy Spatial Awareness Creativity Completion Materials Provided Tangram sets and activity sheets.
Time10.30 AM – 11.30 AMGrades applicableEYP 1& 2 - Category 1Type of eventExperiential, STEAM Discovery ZoneSTEAM DISCOVERY ZONE EYP 1 & EYP 2 | ExperientialObjective Explore, discover and create! Students will engage in simple hands-on STEAM experiences that encourage curiosity, observation, experimentation and creative thinking. Inspired by Chrysalis, the activity celebrates how children can explore, experiment and transform their ideas through discovery. Guidelines This is an experiential event for EYP 1 & EYP 2. Activities will be facilitated by teachers. Students will explore and interact with a variety of hands-on STEAM challenges. Students will be encouraged to observe, experiment, create and share their ideas. Activities will be conducted within the allotted time. There will be no judging or ranking for this event. Judging Criteria Not Applicable – Experiential Event Materials Provided All activity-specific materials and equipment will be provided by the organisers.
Time8.00 AM – 9.00 AMGrades applicablePYP 1- Category 2Type of eventPair Event, Tangram ActivityTANGRAM ACTIVITYObjective Explore shapes and patterns through teamwork! Pairs will transform simple geometric pieces into creative designs while developing spatial reasoning, collaboration and problem-solving skills. Inspired by Chrysalis, the activity highlights how simple forms can be rearranged and transformed into something new. Guidelines Each pair will receive a set of tangram pieces. Complete the given challenge within 30 minutes. Both participants should actively contribute. All pieces must be used to form the required figure. Pieces must not overlap and must fit together neatly to form a single closed figure. Judging Criteria Accuracy Creativity Teamwork Time Management Materials Provided Tangram sets and challenge cards/sheets.
Time9.30 AM – 10.30 AMGrades applicablePYP 1- Category 2Type of eventSolo, Illustrate the Ages: A Shape's JourneyA SHAPE'S JOURNEYObjective Inspired by the theme Chrysalis, students will take their assigned shape as a starting point and creatively transform it into a futuristic creation. Through this journey, they will explore how something simple can change, adapt and emerge as something new. Guidelines Students will be given a shape. Transform the shape into a creative sequence of forms. Their picture should show a sense of transformation from a simple shape into a new creation, Complete the illustration within the allotted time. Judging Criteria Creativity and imagination Transformation of shape Visual Presentation Connection to Chrysalis
Time8.00 AM – 9:00 AMGrades applicablePYP 2 & 3 - Category 3Type of eventSolo, One minute to win itONE MINUTE TO WIN IT PYP 2 & PYP 3 | SoloObjective Think fast, adapt and win! Students will take part in a series of fun, timed challenges that test coordination, concentration, creativity and quick thinking. Inspired by Chrysalis, the event encourages students to adapt their approach, overcome challenges and discover new ways to succeed. Guidelines Individual participation. Each challenge must be completed within the specified time. Participants must follow the instructions provided for each challenge. Only the materials provided may be used unless otherwise instructed. Participants may adapt their approach as they work through the challenge. Performance will be ranked based on successful completion within the given time. Judging Criteria Completion Accuracy Speed Coordination Materials Provided Challenge-specific materials and equipment.
BRIDGE BUILDERS PYP 2 & PYP 3 | Group- 2 participantsObjective Build strong, think smart! Teams will design and construct a bridge using the materials provided, exploring basic engineering principles, stability, creativity and problem-solving. Inspired by Chrysalis, students will transform simple materials into a strong and purposeful structure through experimentation and teamwork. Guidelines Each team must consist of 2 participants. Each team will receive the specified materials. Construct a freestanding bridge within the allotted time. The bridge must meet the given size and design requirements. Only the materials provided may be used. The completed bridge will be tested by the judges for strength and stability. Judging Criteria Strength & Stability Creativity Design Teamwork Materials Provided Cardboard/paper, craft sticks, straws, string and other construction materials.
PITCH A REVOLUTIONARY IDEA PYP 4 & 5 | Individual EventObjective Become a young innovator and transform an idea into a solution! Participants will design and pitch an innovative product, process or service that transforms the way people live, learn, work or solve everyday problems. Inspired by Chrysalis, students will explore how a simple idea can evolve into something new, useful and meaningful through creativity, technology and problem-solving. Guidelines Individual participation. Each student will develop an original product, process or service. The idea must demonstrate transformation—improving, changing or reimagining an existing product, process, service or everyday experience. The idea must address a real-world need or problem. The presentation must be supported by visuals such as a poster, flowchart, slides or digital mock-up, brought to school on the day of the event. Students will have 3 minutes to explain their idea, its transformation, key features and benefits. Judging Criteria Creativity & Originality Relevance to Chrysalis Real-World Impact Communication & Presentations
THE 1-SHEET TRANSFORMATION PYP 4 & PYP 5 | Group- 2 participantsObjective Transform simple sheets of paper into something extraordinary! Teams will use creativity, planning and engineering skills to transform three A3 sheets into a self-supporting three-dimensional structure. Inspired by Chrysalis, this challenge explores the transformation of form and function as teams experiment, adapt and turn simple materials into innovative creations. Guidelines Each team must consist of 2 participants. The sheets must be transformed into one self-supporting 3D structure. No additional materials, glue, tape, scissors or adhesives may be used. Participants may fold, roll, bend, pleat or twist the paper. The final structure must stand independently for at least 10 seconds. Teams may test and improve their design within the allotted time. Judging Criteria Height of the structure Stability of the structure Creativity & Innovation Materials Provided Three A3 sheets per team, ruler/scale, timer
THROUGH THE YEARS MYP 1 | SoloObjective Explore how ideas, objects and technologies transform over time! Students will trace the journey of a chosen subject from its original form to its evolved or future form, creatively representing the changes and developments that shape its transformation. Inspired by Chrysalis, the event encourages students to explore change, growth, adaptation and emergence. Guidelines Individual participation. A topic or starting point will be provided. Show at least three stages of transformation. Clearly represent how and why the subject changes at each stage. Include brief labels or explanations for the stages. Complete the task within the allotted time. Judging Criteria Understanding of Change Creativity & Originality Visual Presentation Connection to Chrysalis Materials Provided Topic/prompt cards and drawing sheets. Materials to be Brought Pencils, erasers, colour pencils and sketch pens.
THE SHAPE OF TRANSFORMATION MYP 1 | Group- 2 participantsObjective Transform the ordinary into something extraordinary! Teams will use waste, recycled or biodegradable materials to create an installation that represents transformation, growth and change. Inspired by Chrysalis, participants will give discarded materials a new purpose and identity, creatively representing the journey from one form or stage to another. Guidelines Each team must consist of 2 participants. The installation must clearly represent transformation, growth, adaptation, evolution or emergence. Only waste, recycled or biodegradable materials may be used. Teams may use different artistic forms such as sculpture, collage or interactive elements. The installation should demonstrate a clear transformation from one stage or form to another. A short written explanation of the concept and choice of materials must accompany the work. The installation must be completed within the allotted time. Judging Criteria Creativity & Originality Relevance to the Theme: Chrysalis Innovative use of materials Aesthetic appeal & craftsmanship Clarity of concept & explanation Materials to be Brought As applicable and required by the team. Waste or recycled materials Biodegradable materials Cardboard and paper Fabric scraps Plastic bottles or bottle caps Newspapers Other safe reusable materials Stationery and craft materials
BEHIND THE BREAKTHROUGH MYP 2 & 3 | SoloObjective Imagine life in the future! Participants will explore how continued changes in the Earth's environment could influence the evolution and adaptation of living organisms. They will imagine a future scenario, identify the challenges organisms may face, and creatively design how an animal, bird or other organism could evolve to survive and meet its changing needs. Inspired by Chrysalis, the challenge encourages students to connect environmental change, adaptation and evolution while imagining how life could transform in the future. Guidelines Individual participation. Participants will be given a future environmental scenario or challenge. Imagine the Earth approximately 100 years into the future based on the given scenario. Select or design an organism and illustrate how it could evolve and adapt to survive in these future conditions. The design should show specific physical or functional adaptations that help the organism survive or meet its needs. Include brief labels or notes explaining the adaptations and their purpose. Participants will be given a fixed time to complete their work. Participants should be prepared to briefly explain their design and the evolutionary adaptations to the judges. Judging Criteria Scientific Reasoning & Plausibility Creativity & Originality Adaptation to Future Conditions Connection to Chrysalis Explanation & Presentation Materials Provided Future environmental scenario cards Drawing sheets Basic stationery Materials to be Brought Pencils and erasers Colour pencils Sketch pens or markers Ruler/scale
REEL OF TRANSFORMATION MYP 2 & 3 | Group- 2 participantsObjective Bring transformation to life through stop-motion! Teams will create a one-minute visual reel that tells the story of how a person, object, idea, living thing or environment changes and emerges into something new. Inspired by Chrysalis, the challenge encourages participants to creatively capture the stages of growth, adaptation, evolution and transformation through engaging visual storytelling. Guidelines Each team must have 2 participants. Maximum duration: 1 minute. Any suitable video-making technique or platform may be used. Stop-motion is optional. Videos may include voice-over, dialogue, sound effects or background music. Participants may use live action, animation, drawings, models, objects or digital elements. The video should clearly communicate the journey of transformation. Submit the final video in MP4 format before the specified deadline. Judging Criteria Creativity & Originality Relevance to Chrysalis Visual Storytelling Technical Execution Overall Presentation Materials to be used Mobile phone, tablet or camera; video-making/editing platform; props, models, drawings or digital elements; voice-over, sound effects or music, if required.
REBUILD THE FUTURE MYP 4, 5 & DP 1 | SoloObjective Reimagine today for a better tomorrow! Participants will redesign an everyday object, space or system to make it more useful, sustainable and future-ready. Inspired by Chrysalis, the challenge encourages students to transform familiar ideas into innovative solutions through creativity, critical thinking and design thinking. Guidelines Individual participation. Each participant will receive an object, space, system or real-world scenario to redesign. Identify a problem or limitation and develop an innovative solution. The solution must demonstrate creativity, practicality and sustainability. Ideas may be presented through a concept sketch, labelled design, model or simple prototype. Include short notes explaining the features and purpose of the redesigned solution. Participants will be given a fixed time to complete the challenge and briefly present their idea to the judges. Judging Criteria Problem-Solving Sustainability Relevance to the Theme Presentation & Communication Materials Provided Challenge prompt cards Drawing sheets or chart paper Basic stationery and craft materials Cardboard and paper Recycled materials Craft sticks, straws, string and bottle caps Tape, glue, scissors and markers
BATTLE-ON MYP 4, 5 & DP 1 | GroupObjective Participants will engage in a STEAM-based debate, presenting logical and evidence- backed arguments on real-world issues. The event encourages critical thinking, communication and creativity while exploring how ideas, technologies and societies transform and adapt. Inspired by Chrysalis, participants will examine different perspectives on change, innovation and the opportunities and challenges that emerge through transformation. How the Awards Work Three awards will be presented to recognise individual excellence across the following areas: The Eloquent Speaker Award – For excellence in style, confidence and delivery. The STEAM Scholar Award – For strong scientific connections and logical reasoning. The Visionary Thinker Award – For innovation, creativity and original perspectives. Guidelines Each team consists of 3 speakers. Each speaker will have 2 minutes of speaking time. An alarm will be given after 2 minutes. After 2 minutes and 30 seconds, no additional points will be considered. Discussions are allowed between team members during transitions between speakers. Debate Sequence: 1.Proposition 1 – Opposition 1 2.Proposition 2 – Opposition 2 3.Proposition 3 – Opposition 3 Arguments must demonstrate clarity, logic, originality and relevant STEAM connections. Teams must maintain respectful conduct throughout the event. Judging Criteria Style: Confidence, clarity, delivery and audience engagement. Scientific Connections: Logical reasoning and relevance to STEAM concepts. Innovation & Creativity: Original ideas and creative perspectives on the topic.
RANGOMETRY MYP 4, MYP 5 & DP 1 | GroupObjective Transform mathematics into art! Teams will create a kolam or rangoli design using mathematical transformations such as translation, enlargement, rotation or reflection. Inspired by Chrysalis, the challenge explores how mathematical patterns can transform and emerge into creative visual designs. Guidelines Team participation. Choose a kolam or rangoli design as the starting point. Transform the design using one or more of the following: Translation – moving shapes in a specific direction Enlargement – increasing the size of shapes Rotation – turning shapes around a point Reflection – flipping shapes across a line The mathematical transformation must be clearly visible in the final design. Participants are encouraged to create a unique and visually engaging design. The final kolam/rangoli must be completed within the allotted time. In case of a tie, the team that finishes first will be declared the winner. Judging Criteria Accuracy & Precision Application of Mathematical Concepts Creativity & Visual Appeal Connection to Chrysalis Materials Provided Design prompt/instructions and workspace. Materials to be Brought Sustainable materials such as rangoli powder, small pebbles, coloured sand or other eco-friendly materials required to create the final kolam/rangoli.
RANGOMETRY MYP 4, MYP 5 & DP 1 | GroupObjective Transform mathematics into art! Teams will create a kolam or rangoli design using mathematical transformations such as translation, enlargement, rotation or reflection. Inspired by Chrysalis, the challenge explores how mathematical patterns can transform and emerge into creative visual designs. Guidelines Team participation. Choose a kolam or rangoli design as the starting point. Transform the design using one or more of the following: Translation – moving shapes in a specific direction Enlargement – increasing the size of shapes Rotation – turning shapes around a point Reflection – flipping shapes across a line The mathematical transformation must be clearly visible in the final design. Participants are encouraged to create a unique and visually engaging design. The final kolam/rangoli must be completed within the allotted time. In case of a tie, the team that finishes first will be declared the winner. Judging Criteria Accuracy & Precision Application of Mathematical Concepts Creativity & Visual Appeal Connection to Chrysalis Materials Provided Design prompt/instructions and workspace. Materials to be Brought Sustainable materials such as rangoli powder, small pebbles, coloured sand or other eco-friendly materials required to create the final kolam/rangoli.
LADY ANDAL SCHOOLA UNIT OF THE MADRAS SEVA SADANSHENSTONE PARK, 7, HARRINGTON ROAD, CHETPET, CHENNAI
