Science Sleuths: Solving Mysteries Using Scientific Inquiry (Grades 6-9)

I bought this for my middle school daughter as a part of summer science study. While it is interesting as a study material, I don't think that it requires much of "science" to solve each case. It requires more of "reading skills".

Clearly written and expertly laid out, "Science Sleuths" provides the forensics teacher with three multiple day lessons for the classroom. Included with each lesson is an interesting setting, all necessary evidence, engaging artwork and backgrounds and, (maybe most important for the teacher) full rubrics for grading. These lessons are excellent alternative assessments for a forensics class as each requires the student to use information from multiple aspects of forensic science. The evidence provided is all done through "case files" and "evidence reports" causing the students to actively reason through the information to solve the case. Real logic, real thinking, real tests of knowledge and skills.The ease of instruction and the clear time lines reflect the many years of experience the authors have as instructors of forensic science. Whether you are new to teaching this subject or experienced yourself, these lessons will benefit your classroom. A must have for all forensics classroms.

This book is written by teachers for teachers. It is not often that activities are actually ready to go, but this has been provided by the authors. There are 3 complete "who done its", with comprehensive teacher instructions and even a suggested rubric. The prodecures are detailed enough for the students to follow, and pages that can be copied and given to the students. The activities can easily be adjusted to fit whatever kind of schedule your school runs. The activities promote critical thinking and analysis skills, while the students are enjoying themselves. I am a teacher that will be using these activities in my classroom this year!

Science Sleuths: Solving Mysteries Using Scientific Inquiry is a great resource for improving students' science literacy skills and for integrating the use of the scientific method in a way that is fun for students and manageable for classroom teachers. The book includes three separate mysteries each with its own set of teacher instructions (and solutions), student instructions, and all the necessary reproducible templates and clue sheets to keep students engaged as well as organized. Students analyze each day's clues, develop hypotheses supported by the evidence and work to solve the mysteries. A pull-out poster for the classroom is included for each mystery. The posters are a great addition to each case providing students with a colorful visual of certain suspects and clues. The authors have provided helpful planning, implementing and assessing strategies for the teacher. Students and teachers alike will love this creative science resource!

The lessons contained in this book are a fantastic resource. Each crime provides students the opportunity to think critically and the activities are ready to use. The lesson plans are well written and easy to follow and all student worksheets have been provided. As a teacher, this is a critical component when I look for a quality teaching resource. Even though teachers may feel that curriculum time constraints might not allow for the use of the complete lessons; what I like most about "Science Sleuths" is that teachers could use parts of the lessons to enhance curriculum as well. For instance when teaching DNA you could use the DNA Fingerprint portion of a lesson to augment your course without taking time to analyze all aspects of each crime.