Science Sleuths: Solving Mysteries Using Scientific Inquiry (Grades 6-9) - Softcover

Schindler, Howard; Mucenski, Dennis J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1593633971 ISBN 13: 9781593633974

Publisher: Prufrock Press, 2009

Synopsis

Building on the growing public interest in forensics, the three cases featured in Science Sleuths: Solving Mysteries Using Scientific Inquiry merge science and literacy, requiring students to be critical and active readers as they conduct their investigation. Beginning with an evaluation of the crime scene photos, the 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 (being alert to red herrings) as they work to identify the person responsible for each crime. Students are given additional sets of information as they make their way through the case, requiring them 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!

Students will:

• solve fun mysteries using science skills,
• sort through evidence to develope hypotheses, and
• use critical thinking to identify the suspect.

Grades 6-9

About this title

About the Author

Howard Schindler received his bachelor’s degree in school and public health from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1975 and his master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University in 1988. Howard currently teaches forensics, human anatomy and physiology, and biology at St. Paul’s School in Baltimore, MD.

Dennis J. Mucenski currently teaches high school biology and forensics for Pittsford Mendon High School in Rochester, NY. He is also an adjunct professor at St. John Fisher College and enjoys doing webinars and seminars for Ward's Science Supply Company.

Edition details

• Publisher: Prufrock Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1593633971
• ISBN 13: 9781593633974
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 195