CEClang.90


TITLE:  Computer Mysteries-Lesson plan

AUTHOR:  Marilyn Berglin, Fairbanks Youth Facility;
         Fairbanks, Alaska

GRADE LEVEL:  5th through Senior High

OBJECTIVE(s):  Students will be able to recognize and
write the components that make up a mystery.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
Students think up a "Who Did It" mystery.  They devise
a plot, problem, cast of characters, and setting. Then,
using Hypercard, Appleworks, or a wordprocessing
program (Microsoft Works) they write an introduction
explaining the problem and mystery to be solved.

Examples: Who shot the bear in McKinley Park; who has
been messing with my trampoline; or what happened to
the walrus in a Nome zoo.

Next: They set up files with a cast of characters and
places to go that give clues to the solution. The
program is similar to Carmen Santiago, but the
advantage is that students usually write mysteries that
are specific to their region and culture.

Next: Other students try to solve the mystery by
writing down clues and finally solving the mystery.  I
have used this project as a semester long project as a
way to teach the components of literature as well as
grammar and punctuation.  Sometimes students
incorporate visual clues with Fullpaint to give
additional information. For example, one student wanted
to show the different kinds of tracks found on his
trampoline.

This is a time consuming, difficult project, but it is
an excellent learning tool.