Solving the Mystery

“Who Done It?”

1.     Do you think Felix died, and, if so, how?

2.  Do you think someone murdered Felix, and if so, who?

3.  What evidence makes you think so?

4.  When do you think the suspect did it?

5.  Why do you think the suspect did it?

6.  What evidence makes it look like somebody else did it?

7.  If you don’t think the others are guilty, can you explain how that evidence got there?    

CSI:  Dawson Beach

Session 5 – Solving the Mystery

Thank you for participating in our CSI: Dawson Beach science activity this week! You have worked hard to study the crime scene, learn about the suspects, and test evidence taken from the beach house. You are on your way to becoming a real detective or forensic scientist. Now we must ask you to solve the mystery. Please do the following things.

1.                  Complete the “Who Done It” handout.

Choose one of the following writing activities listed below.

2.                  Write a detective’s report. Write from the point of view of the detective who investigated the case, explaining what probably happened, and, using the “Who Done It?” worksheet, backing up conclusions with “hard evidence.”

3.                  Write a newspaper article or an in-depth report for the evening news about the event. Make sure to include the information from the “Who Done It?” worksheet. Remember that responsible journalists only report hard evidence as fact. If writing about a murder suspect be sure to use the word “alleged” until a person has been convicted by a jury.

4.                  Write a three-paragraph essay about the CSI: Dawson Beach activity as a learning experience. Do you think it was a worthwhile educational experience that 5^th grade should repeat next year? Why or why not? What were your favorite sessions or activities? Is there anything you would change or improve about the activity if you were in charge of it? How did this activity impact you? What have you learned? Has it made you want to learn more about any field of science or law enforcement?

5.                  Write up a suspect’s confession. Write from the point of view of one of the suspects, maybe even the murderer! Use the information from the “Who Done It?” worksheet. Make inferences or guesses about what may have happened and the motivations involved. Write in a style or “voice” that sounds like the character who is “talking.” Be creative, and include some surprise twists.

Extra Credit

1.                  Write your own mystery that could be used as a CSI activity in the future. Be sure to include a description of the crime scene, possible suspect’s information, and crime scene lab ideas.

2.                  Research a related topic on the Internet. Possible topics are listed below. Write a report about what you learned.

·        Forensic labs

·        Criminal psychology

·        Judicial system

·        Law enforcement

3.                  Interview a member of law enforcement, forensic scientist or journalist that covers criminal activity. Write a summary of the discussion and what you learned. Tell who you interviewed and why you chose them.