Bellwork Question:

1. Objective 09/20/12 Students will use their powers of observation and inference to solve a crime! Bellwork Question: What is an observation? What is an inference? How can you use these skills to help you solve a problem? At the end of class: Based on the preliminary evidence, who could have committed the murder?

2. Miss Betty Case File page: 01

3. was Who is Miss Betty? Miss Betty • An aide for the science department at Del Webb Middle School • Close friends with Ms. Johnson • Recently had been complaining about lack of supplies

4. The Case of Miss Betty Miss Betty was found dead in Ms. D'Onofrio’s classroom this morning before school. So Ms. D’Onofrio could continue teaching, she moved Miss Betty’s body into room 324. • What happened?

5. The Case of Miss Betty • What do we know about the crime? • Miss Betty was found dead by Ms. D’Onofrio in her classroom (814) at 7:00 A.M. on Thursday, Sept. 20th, 2012 • Police arrived on the scene at 7:30 A.M. • Prior to the arrival of the police, Ms. D'Onofrio moves the body • Preliminary evidence shows that Miss Betty may have been a victim of foul play • Police have identified 4 key suspects in this case

6. The Case of Miss Betty Considering these strange circumstances, the police have askedfor the help of the science department, and have released all evidence to the 8th grade Physical Science classes. It will be yourjob to crack thecase and solvethemystery!

7. The Case of Miss Betty • As you view the crime scene, be sure to make as many observationsabout the evidence as you can • Things seemingly out of place? • Potential murder weapons? • Evidence left from the perpetrator? • Touch nothing, but see everything!

8. What is an “Observation?” • An observation is the action or process of observing something orsomeone to gatherinformation about them • You use your senses (i.e. - taste, touch, sight, smell, hearing) • Notice significant details • Ex: This person has 6 fingers on their left hand.

9. What is an “Inference?” • An inference is howweinterpret these observations based on our past experiences or prior knowledge • Helps us make sense of what we see • Is a guess, not necessarily factual • Ex: This person has extra fingers (or “polydactyly”) because they must have been exposed to radiation before they were born.

10. When would you need them? • In lab experiments, we record our observations, NOT inferences (these are guesses!) • Inferences are used when you’re writing the conclusion to lab reports, or when you’re brainstorming solutions totry and solve a crime

11. Police Suspect List: The Case of Miss Betty

12. The Case of Miss Betty Ms. Johnson • English teacher at Del Webb Middle School • Close friend of Miss Betty, was included in Miss Betty’s will; stands to make a lot of money from her death • Was jealous of Miss Betty’s nicer car • Classroom in close proximity to the end of the 8th grade hallway • Was working late the night of the murder $ $ Suspect: Ms. Johnson

13. The Case of Miss Betty Mr. Bagford • Math teacher at Del Webb Middle School • Did not get along with Miss Betty • Seen having a very intense argument with Miss Betty the day before the murder • Whereabouts unknown during the time of death, does not have an alibi ? ? Suspect: Mr. Bagford

14. The Case of Miss Betty Ms. D'Onofrio: • Science Teacher at Del Webb Middle School • Since Miss Betty’s body was discovered in her classroom, she is considered a suspect • Seen leaving the school Wednesday evening before the murder, but one witness claims she had a passenger with her • Moved the body upon discovering it Thursday morning so that she would be able to teach in her room Suspect: D’Onofrio

15. The Case of Miss Betty Mr. Schindler: • Geography teacher at Del Webb Middle School • Left school early Wednesday afternoon, assumedly prior to Miss Betty’s death • Disliked her teaching style and attitude • Involved in a plot with Mr. Bagford to see Miss Betty fired Suspect: Schindler

16. Discussion/Work Time • With the people at your table group… • Discuss the observations you have made so far • Share any evidence thatyoufeel might be valuable to helping you solve the case • Record your findings on page 3 of your Case File • Discuss your inferencesasto whoyouthink may havecommitted this crime

17. Objective: 09/20/12 Students will use their powers of observation and inference to solve a crime! Questions to ponder: • What evidence have you been able to gather so far? • Based on this preliminary evidence, who do you infer could have committed the murder? • What evidence do you still need to solve the crime?

18. Objective 09/20/12 Students will use their powers of observation and inference to solve a crime! Jumpstart What kinds of clues would YOU look for at a crime scene? Outro Based on the preliminary evidence, who could have committed the murder?

19. Objective 09/21/12 SW Learn about and apply units of metric measurement to the Miss Betty murder mystery. Jumpstart Clue #1 Make some observations and inferences based on the first clue. Outro Which suspect is most likely the culprit, based on today’s evidence?

20. Project one Case file page: 03

21. Handprints found at crime scene • 2 left hand prints on the floor near the body(Appear to be of the same hand?) • Measurements: • Length:10.5 cm (from top of palm to bottom of palm) • Width:7.5 cm(from end to end of palm) • Pinky: 7 cm(from tip of finger to palm of hand) • Index: 7.2 cm(from tip of finger to palm of hand)

22. Objective 09/21/12 SW Learn about and apply units of metric measurement to the Miss Betty murder mystery. Jumpstart Clue #1 Make some observations and inferences based on the first clue. Outro Which suspect is most likely the culprit, based on today’s evidence?