SINCERELY, CWIK
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More True Crime!

11/3/2020

12 Comments

 
I don't know about you guys, but I am going to be up awhile. (Hopefully in celebration). You'll have to forgive any typos - these results are going to require some vodka sedation.

I figured it would be a good time for an update, particularly because I haven't been getting much posted lately. I'm sure if anyone understands, it's other teachers!

As I have mentioned, we are in a hybrid format. That means I get half my kids Monday and Tuesday and the other half on Thursday, Friday. Wednesdays, everyone is virtual. When I don't see the kids, they complete online work. Those of you in the same (or a similar) format would probably agree that the kids are struggling with their virtual work. 

And frankly, I don't blame them. I feel like they are getting about a million videos to watch, materials to read, and disengaging activities. I mean, I am trying my best, and they are remarkably putting up with it, but the virtual days are very difficult to plan for me. How do you interest a kid in an activity that will glue them to a screen for hours?

My answer: True crime!

The kids may not feel the same way, but I LOVE true crime. Last year, when we adapted the Murder of Allan Ripley, I was so excited to bring my huge interest in forensics and detective work into the classroom, and then, I was even more excited that the kids seemed to love it! Why not do more of the same?

This week, we are focusing on argument structure (line of reasoning) and reviewing past concepts. We'll do the traditional Allan Ripley activity during the live days, but I created another virtual true crime activity to hopefully engage the students in these new concepts and review. 

Introducing.... CSI: AP Language.

The premise is simple: Solve the crime! I created a series of tasks which review content and introduce structure. If students can get a perfect score on a task, they can get a clue. Their goal is to gather as much information as they can to solve the crime.

I began with what I know. I am the odd duck that falls asleep to Forensic Files every night. (Peter Thomas has to have the most soothing voice... even when he is talking about some pretty grizzly murders). I picked a case I am familiar with and picked out the clues. 

My course is set up in Schoology, so I use completion folders to require a certain score on each task before they can open the clue. If you don't have that option, you could have students "unlock" clues by handing in their tasks. Also, I apologize that the format isn't the most adaptable. I made everything right in Schoology, so that's the only version I have.

Below is the step-by-step, as it appears on my Schoology page:

Introduction


Task 1: Rhetoric of a Killer


Clue 1: Crime Scene

Picture

Task 2: Track the Argument


​Clue 2: Map and Timeline


​Task 3: Inductive and Deductive Claims

The actual lesson includes the following video:


​Clue 3: Suspects


Task 4: Complex Claims


Clue 4: Criminal Profile


​Task 5: Make an Arrest



So that's what I got. If you want to watch the actual episode of Forensic Files, here it is:


I'll have to let you know how it goes, but already, I've had multiple kids ask me about this activity. (One even used the word "fun!")

Like I said, if you are feeling like me, you'll give anything to get the kids engaged again. Hopefully this helps!
12 Comments
Brandi Potestio
11/4/2020 08:51:56 am

I love this! I know you said you had this in Schoology, which I am using for the first time this year, and I am wondering if this is in the shared resources?

Reply
Cwik
11/4/2020 08:57:27 am

Yes! I just posted it as a pubic resource this morning. Just search "Virtual CSI AP Language"

Reply
Brandi Potestio
11/4/2020 08:45:13 pm

Thank you so much!

terri wecht
11/5/2020 06:54:57 am

I LOVE this resource! I can't wait to use it in my class. Just one small problem I've encountered: In the Tracking the Argument PDF, the opening task instructions is cut off on the right hand side. Could you possibly send me the full image? thanks so much!

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Cwik
11/6/2020 12:32:18 pm

Try this link: https://wfps-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/sacwikla_west-fargo_k12_nd_us/EVgUSulugRVKm1u7BscfQiYBQK8E9JLOcPI5fAt3wTMGfw?e=XseEeE

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terri wecht
11/22/2020 08:44:38 am

Thanks for the link. Just one other question: As I go through the clues, I'm not exactly sure how the students would realize that Ken Register is the killer. Can you explain that to me? thanks! I plan to use this on Wednesday and I'll let you know how it goes.

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Cwik
11/22/2020 09:01:20 am

Mine mostly chose him or Tyler based on the criminal profile. The timeline actually places Ken's path crossing with Crystals (as in the actual episode)

That said, with this and all my crime activities, I tell the kids it isn't about finding the RIGHT answer but justifying and answer. Therefore, I don't actually score the fifth task.

Hope that helps!

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terri wecht
11/22/2020 09:43:26 am

Thanks - when I look at the timeline, I don't see Ken's name anywhere except at 12:00 when Bonnie calls him to ask if he had seen Crystal.

Cwik
11/22/2020 09:50:29 am

I meant the timeline in terms of the movements of everyone. Ken was with his girlfriend until 10 and came from a direction that would intersect Crystals path.

That said, if you want a clearer link, feel free to add what you want! I'm just providing what was provided in the actual episode.

Reply
terri wecht
11/22/2020 10:12:20 am

Got it! Thanks for clarifying! I'm so excited to do this activity!

Reply
Amy Wolk
12/4/2020 12:02:06 pm

My colleague and I would really love to use this activity, but we are using a different LMS instead of Schoology. Since you only have the one version, would you have to have any recommendations as to how we might be able to use this with our AP Lang kids? We are hybrid like you, were our students only come to school two days a week. Thank you so much for sharing this; it's awesome!

Reply
Cwik
12/4/2020 01:40:26 pm

A teacher on the AP Lang facebook page converted it for Google. Hope this helps:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q0nYoxO1qp9CGvtnEiCN4qLIr-8UpMX9?usp=sharing

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