I handed out clues to each student as they entered class. This is what they saw on the board. Students were expected to remain silent until it was their turn to reveal their clue. After all clues were read, one-by-one, students were allowed to use them as evidence to cross items from the list. This is always a fun activity, doesn't take long, and gets kids working together to figure out who took what, and where it was found. Full lesson can be found inside under the Mystery Unit.

At the end of a long week, I was happy to discover that my students were pumped for our activity today. I gave them a series of “10 Mysteries” that I collected from various sources online. As they answered each question/solved each problem, I gave them a ballot. They got so excited to show me their answers and may of them were challenging g and required them to go back and try again. It’s fun when class is over and your students don’t want to leave!

To make note-taking a little more fun and engaging, I have students watch a Nancy Drew mystery and take notes like a detective. Today we watched The Ghostwriters' Cruise and students gathered all of the clues, details, information and suspicions they could. Some of them collected a full page, front and back, and I'll take this as a win! Even students who don't love to write put in an excellent effort, trying hard to decide who was MOST suspicious and the likely culprit.

I had great discussion with logical reasoning during this activity called What's Their Motive? Check out more 'Mystery" activities inside the classroom!

The Mystery Unit folder now has an activity for the word ALIBI and the word VICTIM. Jump inside to check it out.