Teacher Commentary

This investigation really helps to separate students into those who can successfully navigate the process of logically developing an argument of fact from those whose logic breaks down along the way. Students that incorrectly identify the wrong killer fail to make connections between and across the various pieces of evidence. A simple indication that they’ve identified the wrong killer and need to reexamine the evidence clears up most of the confusion. Some students will require more specific direction (e.g. There is a handprint on the wall. Which hand is it: left or right? What does this tell you about the hand that puller the trigger of the gun?)