Students will collaboratively engage in solving a historical mystery, honing their critical thinking skills by evaluating evidence from diverse sources. Through this project-based approach, students will learn to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, assess their reliability, and develop informed claims. The experience aims to foster productive collaboration, encouraging students to build positive relationships, actively listen, and contribute individually to achieve a common goal.

Students will develop critical thinking skills by evaluating evidence from multiple sources to solve a historical mystery, meeting Kentucky standards 7.I.UE.1, 7.I.UE.2, and 7.I.UE.3. They will enhance collaboration skills by working in teams to analyze and synthesize information, contributing to group discussions, and building positive relationships. Through project-based learning, students will create a poster to communicate their findings, participate in peer reviews, and engage in reflective practices during gallery walks and critique circles. These activities will foster a deeper understanding of historical inquiry and evidence-based reasoning.

Students will collaboratively create a poster that visually represents their team's findings, incorporating textual evidence, images, and artifacts from their investigation of the historical mystery. Each group will present their poster during the gallery walk, explaining their conclusions and the evidence supporting them to peers and visitors. Additionally, students will engage in a peer review session where they receive feedback on their posters, allowing them to refine their presentation and deepen their understanding of the mystery.

Begin the learning experience with a 'Mystery Kickoff Day' where students are introduced to the historical mystery through a captivating narrative. Present them with a mysterious letter and a collection of intriguing artifacts and clues that hint at the mystery they will solve. Encourage students to work in their groups to examine these initial clues, sparking curiosity and excitement as they start to hypothesize and plan their investigation using primary and secondary sources.

During the gallery walk, students will display their posters, showcasing their findings and analyses of the historical mystery. Peers will circulate the room, leaving sticky notes with positive comments and thoughtful questions on each group's display. This interactive exhibition not only celebrates student learning but also encourages a community of inquiry and reflection, allowing students to engage with diverse perspectives and deepen their understanding.