Sixth-grade students in Spencerport's Taylor Elementary School became sleuths during the school's Mystery Festival in March. Students were given a "crime scene" including evidence such as an ice cube tray, a guitar pick, pieces of blue string, a garbage can with a candy wrapper, English Leather cologne box and a towel. In their efforts to determine the perpetrator, students conducted tests, including a fingerprint test. The activity supported several of the New York state learning standards. In science, for example, students are expected to use scientific inquiry and mathematical analysis to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions. Students are also expected to list and identify supporting evidence and draw conclusions and use problem solving steps, carry out experiments and explain results. The activity also supported the English Language Arts standards, which expect students to read to collect facts, data and ideas, take notes to record relevant data with teacher direction and listen to and observe relevant information. |
