Overview

The goal for this sequence of activities is for students to demonstrate independence in completing a crime scene investigation (with accompanying crime scene investigative report) independently. This serves as a formal assessment of student progress related to their ability to construct arguments of fact.
Click here to see “tips from the field.”

Day 11

Sources
The Lunchroom Murder

Activities
1. Begin by introducing the context of the The Lunchroom Murder while distributing the The Lunchroom Murder to the students. Introduce this by saying, “Detectives, we have come together to determine which of the people in the lunchroom killed Fannin.”TC_Bubble
2. Students will annotate image and text independently for 10-20 minutes.TC_Bubble

Day 12

Sources
The Lunchroom Murder

Materials
The Lunchroom Murder Questions Handout
The Lunchroom Murder Evidence Organizer

Activities
1. As a class, review argument structure terminology and language of warrants handouts.
2. Pass out The Lunchroom Murder Questions Handout and The Lunchroom Murder Evidence Organizer. Instruct the students to independently complete the Evidence Organizer, using the Questions Handout to assist them in examining the evidence and developing warrants.TC_Bubble

Day 13

Sources
The Lunchroom Murder

Materials
The Lunchroom Murder Evidence Organizer
Activities
1. To prepare students for writing, review with the class how to complete a crime scene report by saying, “Alright detectives, you will need to complete a crime scene investigative report similar to the one we completed for our previous investigations. However, this is your opportunity to demonstrate all that you have learned along the way. You will be completing this crime scene investigative report on your own. Just to be sure we all know what to do, let’s review what needs to be included in the crime scene report for The Lunchroom Murder.” Then, have the class volunteer components of the crime scene report.TC_Bubble
2. Working independently, students draft crime scene investigative report. At the end of the period, collect the drafts from the students so that you can provide feedback.TC_Bubble

Day 14

Sources
The Lunchroom Murder

Materials
The Lunchroom Murder Evidence Organizer

Activities
1. Distribute students’ drafts with feedback.
2. Prompt students to read the feedback carefully and work to revise their drafts and write their final Crime Scene Investigation Report during today’s class.
3. At the end of class, collect the final investigations from the students.