Ages 8–10 · Est. 30–45 minutes · 2–6 players

Cupcake Constellation

Recover the control code for the paper cupcake constellation.

Six clues, three hint levels each, and a paper-only finish. No locks, apps or cutting required.

Cupcake Constellation: Stars desk: Decode all shapes in message order. Repeated shapes repeat their letter. Convert the full word using the table.

Your mission

The space kitchen has lost the constellation layout code. Decode the star label, match the tray keepers and check the supply record before reading the star slots. Collect five named badge digits and use the final sheet. Every clue is on the table; ask the host for one hint at a time.

Set up in one room

Print one player pack and two record sheets per team. Keep the host answers and all three hint levels with the adult.
Keep every clue as a full sheet at one table. Put the final sheet face down until all five results are recorded. Nothing needs cutting, folding or hiding.
Give each child a pencil. Choose a reader, recorder and checker, and swap jobs after each clue. Use one team for 2–4 children or two teams for 5–6.

Materials

6 player sheets and 2 prop sheets per team
One pencil per child
One adult host with the answer and hint pages

Designed ages and estimated time have not yet been calibrated in a live child playtest.

See all six player clues

These are the actual figures from the printable player pack.

1. Stars

Stars desk: Decode all shapes in message order. Repeated shapes repeat their letter. Convert the full word using the table.

Read this clue in text

Key: diamond means S; heart means T; cross means A; hexagon means R. Message: diamond, heart, cross, hexagon. Conversion: STAR means 3; BEAM means 6; DOCK means 9.

2. Keeper

Keeper desk: Each person has ONE different item. Use all four NOT rules. Find Luna's item and copy its digit.

Read this clue in text

Tray digit 6 Chart digit 9 Tag digit 2 People: Luna, Neve, Pax Luna does NOT have Tag. Neve does NOT have Tray. Neve does NOT have Chart. Pax does NOT have Tray. Find Luna's item. Each item is used once.

3. Stock

Stock desk: A return entry lost its amount. Use the opening and closing stock to find the missing return. Apply DONE entries; ignore the CANCELLED plan.

Cupcake Constellation: Stock desk: A return entry lost its amount. Use the opening and closing stock to find the missing return. Apply DONE entries; ignore the CANCELLED plan.

Read this clue in text

Opening stock: 8. Closing stock: 16. Received: +2 DONE Planned: +7 CANCELLED Issued: -3 DONE Returned: ? DONE Missing return = ? units. Ignore cancelled plans.