November/ December

Systems: We moved from the crime scene to the forensics lab as students looked at how evidence is processed. We studied DNA and its role in the justice system. Our analysts also used ink chromatography and chemical property lab tests to solve the “Case of the Dognapping” and the “Case of the Crummy Cake”.

Our next systems stop was the courtroom and how evidence is presented in trial. We spent time researching the elements of the courtroom and the progression of trials. Students made some excellent presentations to share with the class and we finished with playing the role of opposing attorneys in the Make Your Case game. Use this link to play at home! http://www.scholastic.com/americanjustice/makeyourcase/

Our culminating activity was solving the case of The Case of the Teachernapping" where I got to play to role of my twin for the day and help students use what they have learned to solve the mystery of my disappearance.

Critical and Creative Thinking: This month students practiced reasoning strategies by using clues to complete matrix logic puzzles. They used the given information to make one and two step deductions in order to find or eliminate matches between the puzzle categories.

Habits of Mind: Our main Habit of Mind focus has been on gathering data. Students used crime scene observations to consider the distinction between evidence and inference and the role of both when investigating. We also practiced metacognition as we set goals and reflected on our learning so far this year. We also practiced flexible thing and persisting with the Set Daily Puzzle, Mastermind, and Tangrams.

M^3 (Mentoring Mathematical Minds) Digging for Data: In math we continued in our data unit and worked on creating line plots and using them to find the median, mode, and range of the set. Students have used our Nearpod software to do some self-paced practice and build their math vocabulary.