Chris Kovach of Kempton, Pa., father of 13-year-old Hannah Kovach, laughs a bit when he says he does not know how his daughter got so good at solving puzzles, but takes serious pride in her ability.

The eighth-grade student at Owen J. Roberts Middle School in Pottstown, Pa., has gotten exceptionally good at the wooden block Square Root Puzzle on the Da Vinci Science Center’s exhibit floor. Produced by Square Root Games, Inc., Mountain View, Ca., the puzzle challenges users to maneuver a large square out through the slot in the puzzle’s frame without lifting, turning, or removing any of the other pieces.



During a Da Vinci Science Center visit on Dec. 28, 2012, Hannah caught the attention of staff members with her ability to solve the challenging puzzle rapidly. A video taken by the Center’s Guest Experience team shows Hannah completing it in approximately 32 seconds.

As one might expect, Chris Kovach says a secret to Hannah’s success is practice. Hannah owns a Square Root Puzzle of her own. The Da Vinci Science Center’s retail store, The Curiosity Shop, also sells the puzzle for people who wish to duplicate Hannah’s feats.