Curated OER
Sherlock Holmes: Teaching English Through Detective Fiction
Middle schoolers read examples of mysteries and detective fiction. With a focus on Sherlock Holmes, they are introduced to the techniques for reading properly. In groups, they define new vocabulary, make predictions and summarize the...
Curated OER
Harriet The Spy
Fourth graders investigate the style of diary writing as its own genre of literature. They read Harriet The Spy in order to have a text for this literature study. Students use the skill of prediction to preview the story, and then...
Curated OER
Murder Ewe Wrote
Students solve ecological mystery, diagram solution, and create alternate plans to prevent combined conditions from recurring.
Curated OER
Writing the Mystery with a Purpose
Students present the outline of the mystery story they are writing while working in reciprocal teaching groups. They respond to group members writing before they continue to finish revisions.
Curated OER
Mystery Masks
First graders listen to "Is Your Mama a Llama?" for descriptive words. They make a mask showing features of one animal. They draw a self-portrait and staple their masks onto the self-portrait. They write 3 complete sentences that...
Curated OER
Solar System: Uranus
Students research Uranus and its geological formation, atmosphere, magnetic field, satellites, and rings.
Curated OER
Classic Short Stories- Locked Room Settings
Students read the short story "The Problem of Cell 13" and examine the plot devices that build suspense. In this lesson students create their own short story using the same locked room setting.
Curated OER
Mystery Numbers
In this mystery numbers worksheet, students solve 4 different word problems that include guessing numbers described. First, they determine a two digit number that has the sum equal to 6. Then, students determine a two digit number that...
Curated OER
Mystery World
In this personal decision making worksheet, students read 8 controversial statements. Students rate each according to how believable they think they are-- from 1 ("are you mad?!") to 5 ("of course it is possible"). Example: Some people...
Curated OER
Wildlife Crime
In this science learning exercise, students review information on a website. They read the story and answer the questions that are listed in the wildlife crime.
Curated OER
Cuentos
Pupils revise Spanish mystery stories. They sequence the events from a group's mystery story and suggest revisions for the setting. They revise their stories using the suggestions from classmates and describe characters in folktales....
Curated OER
Outdoor Explorations: Mystery Plot Vacant Lot
Students utilize observations skills as they work together in groups to solve a mystery. They discuss and perform strategies to solve mysteries that occurred on a vacant lot. Students use a field guide to identify plants and animals...
Curated OER
Enigmas
Students research "mystery" topics such as Easter Island, Bermuda Triangle and the Loch Ness Monster. Students brainstorm mysteries and explore the one of their choosing. They write a short report and share what they have learned with...
Curated OER
Database Detectives Solve a Mystery ~ Part 2
Learners work together to solve a classroom mystery. They collect and organize their information into databases. They educate the school on how databases benefit life in a democracy.
Curated OER
Who am I? Bookmaking
Learners explore the process of bookmaking that has its origins from many different international cultures. The multicultural symbolism represented by the medium is utilized by students to expres their identity.
Curated OER
The Mystery Cafe
Students plan and perform a mysterious scenario using a variety of literary conventions such as characterization, setting, and plot development. Each group provides enough clues to make solving the mystery a challenge.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: The Hound of the Baskervilles
View, read and discuss Conan Doyle's tale, "The Hound of Baskersvilles," and compare and contrast the story with the film. Explore the genres and elements of mystery and suspense that are present, and analyze characters, especially...
Crayola
Crayola: Mystery Flip Flap (Lesson Plan)
A great activity where learners write their own mysteries-with a creative twist. Provides a list of resources, and adaptations. (To access this lesson plan, you must register with Crayola.com. Registration is free and takes only a few...
Georgetown University
Georgetown University: Edgar Allan Poe (1809 1849)
This site is a professor's guide for students. This guide features information on how to distinguish between Poe and his narrators in his stories.
University of Victoria (Canada)
University of Victoria: Moralities and Mysteries
This site from the University of Victoria, which is part of a much larger site on Shakespeare, describes morality plays. It also provides examples and links to complete texts of some medieval morality plays.
Schools of California Online Resources for Education
Literature Unit: The House of Dies Drear
"The House of Dies Drear," is a powerful novel by Virginia Hamilton.
Other
Super Pages: Super Thinkers: The Peetnik Mysteries
The town of Clutterbuck is full of mysteries. Select a mystery and use the tools and information provided to help Penelope Peetnik and the Problem Solver's Agency solve the mystery.
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: What's in a Mystery? Exploring and Identifying Mystery Elements
Contains plans for seven lessons that teach students about the plot structure, character, and setting of the mystery genre. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to sites used in the lessons as...
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Everyone Loves a Mystery a Genre Study
Contains plans for lessons that teach about the mystery story genre, including its story elements and vocabulary. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to sites used in the lessons as well as...