WebQuest
Detective Science
Process
The basis of any good investigation is asking good questions and finding the best answers. Use the following guidelines to complete each task:
- Read through the instructions completely before starting the task.
- Keep a portfolio notebook. Organize/write down what you do in each project.
- Follow the instructions carefully.
- If your project does not work properly the first time, try again.
Portfolios will include, but are not limited to:
- credentials
- fingerprint card and guide
- cryptograph puzzle
- read a book from the Literature List below and then follow the directions on Mystery Writing Prezi
Each student is responsible for his/her individual portfolio during the learning stage.
PORTFOLIO RESOURCES
OBSERVATION
To observe is to note carefully, paying attention to details. Observations include everything from the objects found at the scene and statements from witnesses, to the time of day and temperature of the occurrence.
Photo Analysis Challenge Write about your results in your portfolio. Was this hard for you? Was it harder than you expected?
CREDENTIALS
Something that gives a basis for credit or confidence. After completing this WebQuest you will have earned your Science Detective credentials!
Special Agent Credentials Print this out and complete for your portfolio!
FINGERPRINTING
An ink impression of the pattern of marks made by pressing the tip of a finger or thumb on a surface for the purpose of identification.
Fingerprint Card Print this out and complete for your portfolio!
Fingerprint Game In your portfolio, state how you did. Was it harder than you thought?
CRYPTOGRAPHY
The coding and decoding of secret messages.
Cryptograms Print at least one of these games, from either link, for your portfolio.
DNA
DNA is made up of particles that make up a code that is used to tell people apart. DNA is found in our cells so it is everywhere in our bodies, including in our hair, blood, saliva, skin, and bones. Only identical twins share the same DNA.
ABOUT THE FBI
Federal Bureau of Investigation
About the FBI Write a small paragraph in your portfolio stating what you learned.
LITERATURE
Choose one of the following books. Read the book and then follow the Mystery Writing Prezi. Create the diagram discussed for both the book you read and the mystery you want to write. Submit both within your portfolio.
Nate The Great And The Big Sniff, Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Mitchell Sharmat,
2001, Random House Children's Books, http://randomhouse.com/kids
Nate The Great And Me, The Case Of The Fleeing Fang, Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, 1998, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, http://www.bdd.com
Encyclopedia Brown Cracks The Case, Donald J. Sobol, 2007, Scholastic Inc.
Nancy Drew And The Clue Crew, Case of the Sneaky Snowman, Carolyn Keene, 2006, Simon and Schuster, Inc.
Mystery Writing Prezi Submit final work in your portfolio!
INTERVIEW WITH AN AUTHOR
Watch the YouTube Video below to see an interview with Magic Tree House book series author Mary Pope Osborne.
Author Interview: Mary Pope Osborne Write a couple of sentences in your portfolio stating what she says about writing.
GROUP MYSTERY
Now that you are official detectives, it's time to create your own mystery!
Students will work in groups of four. As a group, you need to create your own mystery to present to your classmates. You should include a setting, a plot, and two projects to be completed in order for others to solve your mystery. Your group should break into two sets of pairs, each pair will become the 'experts' for one of the two methods your group will incorporate for solving your mystery. (i.e. fingerprinting and cryptography) You will present your mystery to the class as a group and you will need to cover the following rolls throughout the presentation: presenter, expert 1, expert 2, question taker. Each of you need to include this group project within your individual portfolios.
Good Luck!
Need help getting started? Check out Detective Kids-PBS: Tools of the Trade and Detective Notebook.
In your portfolio, jot down examples of tools of the trade. What kinds of information should a detectives notebook include?
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