Third Graders have begun Beyond the Magnifying Glass. This unit focuses on critical thinking and problem solving. Students will study various methods of forensic science (fingerprinting, DNA, etc) in the context of studying a simulated crime scene. Many of the skills involved in using evidence to solve crimes and/or mysteries can be transferred to the world outside of crime solving. These skills include keen observation of detail, use of deductive reasoning, analyzing and evaluating data, and basing conclusions on existing evidence. The later portion of the unit will focus on writing an original mystery story after studying the elements of mysteries. Throughout the unit the students will be engaged in a novel study, Chasing Vermeer, which is a mystery that focuses on thinking critically about art, codes, and life.
