Everyone loves a mystery. Kids of all ages enjoy this popular theme - even me! Gather up your detective skills and join me as we search for great ideas for your classroom. Conclude your unit by having your class participate in the "Get A Clue" game.
This unit is a natural for teaching writing skills, observation, critical thinking and science. I usually begin with an introduction to some simple mysteries. I rely on short stories and encourage their logical thinking. You can find great examples at Mystery Net - use the short stories at the beginning. Check the Resources & Links for other interesting sites.
A. Fingerprints
Fingerprinting the simple way. - Make up a worksheet with space for a code name and squares for collecting two fingerprint samples. Have students rub their pencil on a small piece of scrap paper. Rub quite hard! Once the paper has been rubbed, their left thumb is placed on the penciled part - moving the thumb so it is coated with the lead from the pencil. (If it is too much you won't be able to see the swirls and ridges) Carefully tear off pieces of scotch tape and place it over the thumb. Press down on the tape then remove the tape and place it onto the appropriate blank square on the worksheet. Try it again to make sure you have the best print possible. Collect these sheets, xerox 5 of the most distinct prints and number them. Make sure you number them 1 - 5, record the code name, then cut it off so you only have the print. Make a new master sheet with only the numbered prints on them and xerox a copy for each student . The next day tape the original fingerprint sheets all over the classroom. Before handing out the "master" sheets you could make up some fun fictional crime that happened and tell the class they must find the culprits and have 10 minutes to do so. They can record the code names that match the prints on their master sheet.
B. Task Force - In this session our detectives must do some detective work back at headquarters.
A Work in progress - come back soon!
