Science Sleuths – 60 Forensic Activities to Develop Critical Thinking and Inquiry Skills Grades 4–8

Science Sleuths is an easy-to-use guide that will help you teach students how to unravel forensic science mysteries while improving their critical thinking skills. What your students won't realize is that by solving these mysteries they are engaging in problem solving, application, and synthesis. The activities and experiments in Science Sleuths vary widely, covering topics that range from techniques for sharpening observation skills to recipes for extracting DNA, and they can all be completed without specialized lab equipment. By putting the focus on skills related to critical thinking, the book helps students:

• Identify questions that can be answered throughscientific investigation
• Collect and analyze data
• Explain scientific concepts and make predictions
• Make logical deductions and develop explanationsbased on evidence
• Share findings with others clearly and logically
• Integrate math and writing skills with science

Each chapter in this helpful teaching aid contains eight in-class experiments and activities plus two homework assignments that will engage the interest of young, budding scientists. The activities all include a teacher briefing section, clear activity preparation steps (with lists of materials needed), background information to familiarize students with the topic, detailed procedure descriptions, and conclusion questions.

Help your students become confident, accomplished thinkers and solve the mystery of making science fun with Science Sleuths!

Praise for Science Sleuths

"Science Sleuths is a great book for the teacher who hopes to engage middle school students in science investigations that build upon high interest topics related to mystery, clues, and intrigue."
--Dr. Gail H. Marshall, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, College of Education, University of West Georgia

"The teacher briefs, notes, prompts, and tantalizing topics make Science Sleuths an invaluable resource. These sixty activities are intriguing and the procedures are easy to follow."
--Diane Matthews, Assistant Principal, Fairplay Middle School, Douglasville, Georgia

"What a great tool for new teachers! Everything is provided to conduct authentic instruction and investigation with a format of high interest for students."
--Ann Otwell, science coach, Chestnut Log Middle School, Douglasville, Georgia