Introduction
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson often drew different conclusions from the same clues, the same pieces of information. They then looked for additional evidence to prove that something was true.
The process of solving a mystery and the process of research paper have several things in common. Both require gathering and studying clues, evidence, and information; weeding out "red herrings" or irrelevant information; organizing thoughts; and presenting accurate conclusions.
You are a self-employed research writer. You have been hired by the Unsolved Mysteries Society to conduct background research for an upcoming documentary. It is very important for you to provide accurate information, because the people at the Unsolved Mysteries Society pride themselves on presenting nothing but facts. Your professional reputation (and your future paychecks!) will be affected by the quality of the report you produce for them.
Task
The Unsolved Mysteries Society has commissioned a research poster analyzing the information about one of these topics.
Your poster will explain which facts are known, what theories have been presented to explain the facts, which theory has the most support, and what aspects of the mystery remain unexplained. The producers will use this information as they prepare the script of the documentary. You will need to analyze at least eight facts.
You must also prepare a presentation with a 2-3 sentence introduction of your topic. The facts and theory(ies) must be described during your presentation, and you will have a concluding statement detailing if the mystery is solved (and why), or if the mystery is unexplained still (and why).
Process
The process of conducting and presenting research has several steps.
- Choose an unsolved mystery.
- Find facts and theories about the mystery.
Take notes. Keep track of your sources, especially the page numbers of print materials and the URL (Web address) of any online materials. - Think about what you have learned.
Do you have any unanswered questions? If you do, you may need to continue your research. - Use a Thinking Map (or you may need more than one) to organize your research.
- Make a rough draft of your poster on construction paper.
Get your facts and ideas into written form. Be sure to indicate the source of facts, ideas, and phrases you found during your research, so that you avoid plagiarism. - There is more to revising than checking spelling and punctuation, although those are also important. You might want to reorganize, or you might see that you need one or two more facts.
- Publish your work by presenting to the class.
- Celebrate a challenging job well done!
Hey, writing is hard work!
Evaluation
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The poster meets these criteria: |
Beginning
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Developing
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Competent
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Proficient
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Content |
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Includes at least 8 verifiable facts about topic |
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Mentions at least one leading theory |
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Mentions the unexplained aspects and tells why they are unexplained |
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Communicates information accurately and coherently |
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Research |
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Includes a list of reference materials used |
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Poster is visually appealing and well organized |
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Overall |
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Conclusion
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were always able to solve the crime. No situation remained a mystery to them for very long. But they are characters in fiction.
You, in contrast, have investigated a real mystery. You have seen that not all sources of information are equally reliable. You have seen that some explanations are based more on opinion than on fact. You have seen that nothing replaces your own informed judgement.
You have learned how to find the most accurate information available, how to give credit where credit is due, and how to present your findings to others.
Congratulations! Even Holmes and Watson would be proud.
Credits
This webquest addresses the following standards:
3.RI.1--I can ask and answer questions, using the text for support, to show my understanding.
3.RI.2--I can determine the main idea and supporting details of a text. I can explain how the supporting details specifically relate to the main idea.
3. RI.9--I can compare and contrast important points, on a specific topic, from different texts.
3.W.2--I can write an informative piece where I introduce a topic and group related information, use facts, defiitions and details to develop a point, use linking words to connect ideas, and provide a concluding statement or section.