Ms. Brianna Hall’s English Language Arts class at Woodhaven Upper Elementary turned into a scene straight out of a detective novel as students put their newly learned inference skills to the test in a hands-on mystery activity.
After learning about making inferences during recent reading lessons, students returned from art class to find their classroom transformed into a crime scene. The prized “Golden Dum Dum,” said to grant a lifetime supply of candy, had mysteriously disappeared from their teacher’s desk. Sticky fingerprints, scattered clues, and a note sparked excitement as the young sleuths put on their detective hats and participated in the activity to find out “who done it.”
The story setup added a creative twist to the learning experience. Students were introduced to three potential culprits: Mr. Kozlo, the chocolatier with secret recipes; Mr. Siebert, the music teacher known for mischief; and their new principal, Mr. G, whose love of sweets raised suspicions.
Armed with their inference skills, students worked independently or with a partner if they were stumped, to analyze the clues and piece together the mystery. The classroom buzzed with theories and ideas as students connected evidence to their suspects.
The big reveal? The culprit turned out to be none other than their principal, Mr. G! The class was thrilled by the unexpected twist.
Ms. Hall shared how much the students enjoyed the activity, noting that it was not only a fun way to apply what they’d learned but also an opportunity to foster critical thinking and collaboration. “They got to become detectives and loved every minute of it,” she said.
By the end of the lesson, the case was solved, and the students gained sharper skills from their time as mystery-solving detectives.
This was the letter/first clue for the project:
In the lively classroom of Woodhaven Upper Elementary, where creativity and curiosity fill the air, a peculiar mystery has emerged, captivating the minds of young students. As the school prepares for its annual candy carnival, excitement buzzes like a swarm of bees. However, a troubling situation has unfolded: the prized Golden Dum Dum, a legendary candy said to grant a lifetime supply of sweets, has mysteriously disappeared from your teacher’s desk.
With the carnival just hours away and students chatting about the festivities, whispers of suspicion start to circulate among the children. Was it Mr. Kozlo, the beloved chocolatier known for his secret recipes? Perhaps it was Mr. Siebert, the music teacher who always seems to find a way to stir up trouble? Or could it be your new principal, Mr. G who has shown unusual fascination with all things sweet?
As the bell rings and the classroom transforms into a makeshift detective agency, students gather clues: sticky fingerprints leading around the room, and even a few mysterious objects left behind. Together, this unlikely group of amateur detectives must unravel the sticky web of secrets and solve the candy-coated mystery before the carnival festivities can begin.
Who among them has the motive sweet enough to steal the Golden Dum Dum, and can they crack the case in time to save the celebration?
