Catch Me If You Can 4 th Grade

Introduction Dear Detectives, Miss Canovi noticed that the classroom’s door was open after coming back to the classroom after making some copies. She noticed that the wreath is missing. Mrs. Lalk is devastated. That was her wreath that she had for a long time. It means so much to her. Miss Canovi is calling upon you, detectives to find the missing wreath and who took it.

Task Detectives, it is your mission to locate the wreath and bring the thief to justice. The thief has left several clues. Take note of anything that might seem useful in solving the crime. Each detective unit will conduct experiments on the clues. Detectives will analyze fingerprints, a mystery substance, and ink identification. Each detective will keep a detective log of the suspects, evidence, clues, and final solution. After experiments have been conducted, detectives will share their observations and predictions. Each unit will write a paragraph about who the criminal is and the evidence that supports their theory.

Process Each detective unit will consist of four students. Assign the following jobs to each member: Assistant detective #2, materials handler #3, Scientist #4, and Recorder/photographer #1. Using a digital camera have the group photographer record the experiments. Each unit will conduct experiments on the clues using the scientific method. Detectives will fill in their logs at the end of each class period.

Day 1: FINGERPRINTING Detectives will make fingerprint samples using ink stamp pads. Detectives will identify their prints as arches, loops, or whorls. Detectives will need to study the prints of the suspects and determine what their print is. Resources: FBI Kids Fingerprints

Day 2: Mystery Substance Detectives will take a sample of a mystery substance found at the crime scene and determine the pH level of the substance. Detectives will test the substances found on the suspects. Resources: pH Level Charts /water/lessons/pH/pHcolor.html

Day 4: Issue A Warrant Units will get together and share results of the experiments and their logs. Each unit will write a paragraph on who they think the criminal is. The Lead Detective (Miss Canovi) will then issue a warrant to arrest the criminal.

Evaluation Each detective will be evaluated on cooperation, complete detective log, and each unit’s written warrant. (See your paper work)

Conclusions Congratulations!! You have solved the mystery! By the end of this WebQuest, you should be able to solve a crime using the scientific method. You should also be familiar with forensic science, which is an application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest, and keeping a detailed log.