PAT Bank

Research Mysteries (grades 4-8)

Author:

Loreen Azevedo
Sonoma Country Day School
California

Subject:

Research/Library skills

Objective:

Solve the mystery using library references

Materials and Preparation:

The Mysteries of Research by Sharron Cohen (or teacher written mysteries). Reference resources such as dictionary, encyclopedia, atlas, etc. or Internet access.

Student Grouping:

Teams of 2-3 students.

The Play:

Students read the mystery and "statements" from four suspects. They then check the facts in a suspect's statement to determine who committed the crime and why. Suspects are guilty if a student catches them in a lie (that can be proved by research resources).

Scoring:

Solutions in the book.

Further Play:

Students could get to the stage whereby they write their own mysteries.

Diagrams/Samples/Examples:

text

Comments or Variations:

My students LOVE this activity and beg for it for PAT. I've found it works best with 6th or 7th graders and it's a great way to have them see the value of and learn to use printed resources. (I don't always allow them to use the Internet.)