Science Sleuths: Solving Mysteries Using Scientific Inquiry

Building on the growing interest in crime stories, the three cases featured in Science Sleuths: Solving Mysteries Using Scientific Inquiry merge science and literacy as students are required to be critical and active readers as they conduct their investigation. Beginning with an evaluation of the crime scene reproductions, student investigators will analyze lab reports, phone messages, and interviews to extract key information. Students will sort through the evidence to formulate their initial hypothesis as they work to identify the person responsible for each crime. Additional case information requires students to reformulate their initial hypothesis until they arrive at a final conclusion. The students' final write-up consists of a chart explaining the means, motive, and opportunity for each of the suspects in addition to a thorough analysis of the evidence and a recreation of the case. Eventually students are able to determine which suspect should be charged with the crime!