11th Grade Informational Text Activities (by date, oldest first)

Product
Product
Product
Product

Graphic Features of Text | Lesson | Practice | Project

By Blooming Through High School

Graphic Features of Text fits in perfectly with informational units. While teaching summarizing, author's purpose, and analyzation, teachers can present charts, and other elements of text structure to further increase student's learning.

What's Included:

  • 27 slide lesson that covers the features of texts
  • (2) Student Practice Activities with short informational texts attached to graphs for student practice during and after the lesson.
  • Instructions for an engaging student project writing their own informational texts and making a chart to support their writing.
  • Examples galore to help students understand graphic features of text, and how to complete the independent project.

All files come in Word, or Powerpoint with a PDF for easy printing. Questions presented focus on high level learning and challenging student thinking.

Sample Questions from Student Practice:

  • What purpose does the graph serve to support the ideas presented in the text?
  • What does the included graph help the reader understand about renewable energy?
  • How might the time young people spend online relate to their mental health? Use the data in the charts or text evidence to support your answer.
  • Choose one of the graphs for this question: how does the inclusion of this graph help to strengthen the author’s claim? Include the claim, graph title and text evidence in your response.
English Language Arts
Balanced Literacy
Informational Text
$4.50
Product
Product
Product
Product

Ukraine Scavenger Hunt - 2 Levels - PROCEEDS DONATED TO UNICEF UKRAINE

By FUNctional Academics Educator

Thank you for your interest in my product!

PROCEEDS FROM THIS PRODUCT WILL BE DONATED TO UNICEF UKRAINE!

Like many of you, the country of Ukraine and its people have been on my mind and heart daily. Saddened by what is taking place and feeling helpless I wished there was more I could do to help. Undoubtedly, you are also thinking about your students during time and looking for ways to address this current event with them in an age appropriate way.

This scavenger hunt is a fun way for students to learn fun and interesting facts about Ukraine while bringing attention to the country & culture. Students can work together to complete the scavenger hunt bringing unity to the classroom. Activity pages at the end give students the opportunity to reflect and even express their emotions.

This resource does not directly address the current climate or war in Ukraine. This resource was designed to teach about the beauty of Ukraine and its rich culture. I have found many students have been flooded with information and images of the war from different media source. This gives students insight to what Ukraine was like before the war.

Donation Details:

I have priced this resource at $5.00 and will donate 100% of the proceeds to UNICEF Ukraine. UNICEF is working in Ukraine to provide necessary resources, support and assistance to children and their families.

Follow along on Instagram where I will be posting the donations to see how much we can donate together!

This resource includes:

  • 20 Ukraine scavenger hunt fact cards

Level 1 – Multiple Choice

- 2 answer sheets with 10 questions each

- 1 follow up worksheet with 10 questions

Level 2 – Write in the Answer

- 2 answer sheets with 10 questions each

- 1 follow up worksheet with 10 questions

  • 3 different Ukraine flag activity pages
  • 1 Ukraine map activity
  • Total of 10 worksheets and 60 questions
  • Teacher guide
  • Teacher answer key

With this interactive scavenger hunt students will learn fun and interesting facts about Ukraine. For example: Did you know Ukraine used to be apart of another country? Or that Ukraine is about the same size as Texas? The scavenger hunt includes 20 fact cards and asks students to read the cards closely for information to fill in the answer

This scavenger hunt will still work broken into shorter segments for multiple lessons or a shorter activity.

This scavenger hunt also works well as a scoot game!

Close Reading
Informational Text
Special Education
$5.00
Product
Product
Product

The Real Macbeth

By Educate and Create

A worksheet with background information on the real life figure of Macbeth plus close reading questions. An excellent complement to Shakespeare's play.

Close Reading
Informational Text
Other (ELA)
$1.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

As You Like It- Historical Background

By Educate and Create

This is an excellent worksheet to give prior to having students read Shakespeare's play "As You Like It". It has historical information about the play and 7 short answer questions. *** You may also like my study guide for As You Like It *** As You Like It Interactive Flipbook

Close Reading
Informational Text
Other (ELA)
$1.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Compare and Contrast Speeches by President Lincoln and Obama

By Educate and Create

This product includes two speeches: Lincoln's A House Divided Speech and President Obama's 2nd Inaugural Address. It also includes close reading questions for each speech. Includes answer key.

English Language Arts
Close Reading
Informational Text
$2.50
Product
Product
Product
Product

Compare and Contrast Speeches by President Lincoln and Obama

By Educate and Create

This product includes two speeches: Lincoln's A House Divided Speech and President Obama's 2nd Inaugural Address. It also includes close reading questions for each speech. Includes answer key.

English Language Arts
Close Reading
Informational Text
$2.50
Product

As You Like It- Complete Teacher's Unit

By Educate and Create

Covering the As You Like It? Don't know where to get started? This bundle includes everything you need for your students to analyze the text for plot development, characterization, language, and more. Makes learning Shakespeare fun and easy for your students.

Complete Unit.

Covers the entire play of As You Like It !

Great for differentiation.

$21.50
$19.35
Product

Shakespeare Ultimate Bundle.

By Educate and Create

Shakespeare Ultimate Bundle. Includes resources for the following plays: Hamlet, As You Like It, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Macbeth, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, and The Twelfth Night. Great for covering Shakespeare at multiple grade levels or multiple plays. Includes different activities, study guides, games, and more. Works great as a school resource.

$239.00
$213.40
Product
Product
Product
Product

The Great Gatsby SOCIAL CLASS WORKSHEETS | "Old Money" vs. "New Money"

By Rigorous Resources for High School English

NEW IN 2020: Rigorous! Engaging! Thought-provoking! This 5-page EDITABLE document helps your students to analyze the hierarchy of social classes and then to decode the signs of social status in The Great Gatsby. This activity promises to elicit dynamic engagement from all students without compromising on intellectual rigor. The worksheets on socioeconomic differences will challenge your students to dig beneath the surface of the text and generate profound interpretive insights!

Here's what you'll find inside:

Symbolic Settings Worksheet (or Quiz): The first worksheet challenges students to come up with adjectives to describe East Egg and West Egg based on how those symbolic settings are described in The Great Gatsby. This worksheet can be used either as a fun exercise or as a quiz. (1 pages)

Decoding Socioeconomic Status Handout: Not only was Fitzgerald was a careful reader of sociologist Thorstein Veblen's Theory of the Leisure Class (1899), but he incorporated many of Veblen's insights into The Great Gatsby. For example, it was Veblen who coined the term "conspicuous consumption" to describe a type of consumer spending that was intended primarily to show off one's wealth — which is one reason why Gatsby's parties are so lavish! This handout features key quotations from Veblen and other sociologists that will help students arrive at a deeper understanding of the difference between "Old Money" and "New Money." (1 page).

"Old Money" vs. "New Money" Worksheet (or Quiz): The second worksheet builds upon the handout above and enables teachers to assess whether students are able to decode status differences. The worksheet challenges students to determine whether 16 different adjectives — such as "refined," "ostentatious," "exuberant," and "aloof" — would most likely characterize "Old Money" or "New Money." Answer key included. (2 pages)

Analyzing Evidence Worksheet: This short worksheet challenges students to connect Nick's assessment that Jordan is a "rotten driver" with Nick's last words to Gatsby, "They're a rotten crowd." Did Fitzgerald mean to suggest that the residents of East Egg and/or West Egg amount to a batch of rotten eggs? (1 page)

These worksheets will come to you in a 5-page EDITABLE Word document which you can customize to the needs of your students! The preview for this resource provides viewing access to the entire document. Click on the green “PREVIEW” button to see what you’ll get. . . .

Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

Note: These handouts on social class are also included in my Gatsby MEGA-Bundle. The bundle contains everything you'll need to deliver amazing and comprehensive lessons on Fitzgerald's novel: over 40 slides and over 240 pages of content-rich handouts and activities. If you've already purchased the bundle, you don't need to purchase these handouts. Thanks!

Click to view the Gatsby MEGA-Bundle

Click to view my TeachShare store

English Language Arts
Informational Text
Literature
$1.99
Product
Product
Product
Product

A Conversation with Winston Churchill - History / Socials

By Mark Holmes

Engage Your Students in a Conversation with History: A Unique AI-Powered Interview with Winston Churchill

Bring history to life with this innovative resource! This simulated interview, powered by artificial intelligence, offers a unique and engaging way for your students to explore the life, legacy, and complexities of one of the 20th century's most iconic figures: Winston Churchill.

What's Included:

12 Poignant Interview Questions: Covering key events and themes from Churchill's life, including his early military experiences, political career, leadership during World War II, and views on the Cold War.

Project & Assignment Ideas: Historical analysis, research, creative & analytical Projects.

Churchill's Thoughtful Responses: Crafted using historical accuracy and cutting-edge AI technology to emulate Churchill's characteristic wit, eloquence, and strong opinions.

Benefits:

  • Promotes active learning and historical inquiry
  • Develops critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Encourages perspective-taking and empathy
  • Provides a springboard for research and further exploration
  • Introduces students to the potential of AI in education
  • Suitable for individual, small group, or whole-class activities

Perfect for history, social studies, government, and language arts classrooms

Go beyond textbooks and lectures! This resource offers a dynamic and interactive way to engage your students with history and delve deeper into the life and times of Winston Churchill. The use of AI adds a modern twist and sparks curiosity about the evolving role of technology in education.

Spark lively classroom discussions and ignite your students' curiosity about the past and the future!

Aligning with Learning Objectives:

While specific standards might vary depending on your state or country, here's how this resource aligns with common learning objectives found in frameworks like Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):

Analyzing Text Structure and Author's Purpose: Students will analyze how the interview format structures information and how Churchill's responses reveal his perspectives and purpose in conveying his experiences. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6, TEKS 8.6.B)

Evaluating Arguments and Evidence: Students will evaluate the historical accuracy of Churchill's statements and the evidence he provides to support his views. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.8, TEKS 8.16.A)

Integrating and Evaluating Multiple Sources: The interview can be used alongside other historical texts and materials to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Churchill and his era. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9, TEKS 8.22.C)

Writing:

Writing Arguments: Students can use the interview as a springboard to write argumentative essays, taking a stance on Churchill's actions or the historical events discussed. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-12.1, TEKS 8.21.A)

Research and Inquiry: The interview can inspire students to conduct further research on Churchill, World War II, or other related topics. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-12.7, TEKS 8.19.B)

Speaking and Listening:

Comprehension and Collaboration: Students can engage in discussions about the interview, sharing their interpretations and perspectives while actively listening to their peers. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1, TEKS 8.24.A)

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: Students can present their research findings or arguments based on the interview, using evidence to support their claims. (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4, TEKS 8.25.B)

English Language Arts
Informational Text
Social Studies - History
$4.95
Product
Product
Product
Product

Kent State graphic novel by Derf Backderf 2 Socratic Seminar booklets + rubric

By The Red-Haired Reader

Are you looking for a student-led, interactive way to asses your students' understanding of Derf Backderf's Kent State memoir graphic novel?

This file contains two different packets of Socratic Seminar packets- packet A and packet B. Each packet contains three different discussion questions that require students to answer and provide two quotes from the text to back up their answers. Students are also required to come up with three additional questions they will ask if there’s time in their seminar. Finally, the packet has a page where each student will monitor a partner in the opposite circle. They will make a check each time their partner speaks, and paraphrase meaningful comments their partner makes. The file also contains a rubric for you to use while your students are discussing!

When you print out the file, you’ll see packet A on the top half of the sheet, packet B on the bottom half, and then the rubric as the last page of the file. Remove the rubric and print one out for each of your students. Copy the rest of the pages, cut them in half, and staple them. Each student will receive one half-sheet booklet; packet A or packet B.

Give your students adequate time to plan for their Seminar! I usually give them a full class period (40 minutes for me), but you could have them do it for homework, or over the course of a few days. The day of the Seminar, you’ll assign partners with opposite packets. Let A discuss for as long as they need (usually 30-ish minutes for me!), then flip-flop your circles and have B discuss afterwards.

My students LOVE Socratic Seminars! I have found the fishbowl discussion format works much better when you give each group three different questions so you don’t hear the same discussion two times, which is how this product is set up. I have used Socratic Seminars in small literature circle groups as well as with the whole class at once. Please ask if you have questions!

English Language Arts
Informational Text
U.S. History
$4.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer Socratic Seminar: set of 2 booklets + rubric!

By The Red-Haired Reader

Are you looking for an interactive, student-led activity/ assessment for the end of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild?

This file contains two different packets of Socratic Seminar packets- packet A and packet B. Each packet contains three different discussion questions that require students to answer and provide two quotes from the text to back up their answers. Students are also required to come up with three additional questions they will ask if there’s time in their seminar. Finally, the packet has a page where each student will monitor a partner in the opposite circle. They will make a check each time their partner speaks, and paraphrase meaningful comments their partner makes. The file also contains a rubric for you to use while your students are discussing!

When you print out the file, you’ll see packet A on the top half of the sheet, packet B on the bottom half, and then the rubric as the last page of the file. Remove the rubric and print one out for each of your students. Copy the rest of the pages, cut them in half, and staple them. Each student will receive one half-sheet booklet; packet A or packet B.

Give your students adequate time to plan for their Seminar! I usually give them a full class period (40 minutes for me), but you could have them do it for homework, or over the course of a few days. The day of the Seminar, you’ll assign partners with opposite packets. Let A discuss for as long as they need (usually 30-ish minutes for me!), then flip-flop your circles and have B discuss afterwards.

My students LOVE Socratic Seminars! I have found the fishbowl discussion format works much better when you give each group three different questions so you don’t hear the same discussion two times, which is how this product is set up. I have used Socratic Seminars in small literature circle groups, as well as with the whole class at once. Please ask if you have questions!

English Language Arts
Informational Text
Literature
$4.00
Product

Bundle of 6 Socratic Seminar Booklets + Rubric for Graphic Novels!

By The Red-Haired Reader

This Bundle includes Socratic Seminar booklets for a variety of Graphic Novels. I use them as a final assessment at the conclusion of our Literature Circles in my Graphic Novels Elective! Please check them out at their individual listings. Thank you!

$24.00
$21.00
Product

Bundle of 59 Socratic Seminar Booklets! Great Final Assessments/ Lit Circles!

By The Red-Haired Reader

Please check out the video preview for my line of Socratic Seminars!

This bundle includes every product in my Socratic Seminar Bundle line. Multiple novels and short stories are included for grades 6-12! My students LOVE Socratic Seminars, and I often use them as their final assessment grade. The can be used in small literature circle groups, or with a full class. Please ask if you have any questions!

$237.51
$213.76
Product
Product
Product
Product

March Basketball ELA Escape Room

By Language Arts Excellence

If you are looking for the perfect way to celebrate the March college basketball tournament with a rigorous yet engaging, skills-based activity, look no further than this March Basketball Escape Room for ELA!

There is no wonder why escape rooms are so popular; they are highly engaging and encourage people to work together and think creatively in order to solve different puzzles... all while trying to beat the clock! This meticulously-crafted resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a full-length ELA Escape Room to celebrate March basketball. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task, but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to signs and answer keys so that yours runs smoothly from start to finish. The activity involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. Your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of this game!

How does it work?

Your students must learn to collaborate with their peers to escape your classroom by solving 5 different Language Arts skills-based puzzles about the big tournament.

  • March Basketball Fun Facts: In the first task, students will read fun facts about the tournament. In each passage is an incorrectly used homophone. Students must identify and correct the homophone. Shaded boxes in the correct answers will reveal their code.
  • Bball Quotes: In the second task, students will read 8 inspirational quotes from famous basketball players and identify parts of speech within the quotes. Once assembled correctly on a chart, shaded boxes will reveal the code.
  • Catch: In the third task, students must perform a close reading of the poem, Catch by Samiya Bashir and answer multiple choice questions about the selection that when correct, will reveal the code.
  • History of the Madness: In the fourth task, students will read about the origins of the basketball tournament. Within each paragraph, there is one commonly misspelled word. Students must identify the word and write it correctly on their answer sheet. Shaded letters within the correct answers will form their third code.
  • Bball Trivia: In the final task, students will be quizzed on what they learned throughout the first four tasks and enter their answers to trivia questions in a fun crossword puzzle. Circled boxes within the puzzle will reveal their final code.

Product Includes:

  • Escape Room Basics
  • Detailed Day-Of Instructions
  • Escape Room Print Checklist
  • Student Teams Chart
  • Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs to be folded upright, task instructions (2 per page for easy printing), and supplementary information to be kept at stations
  • Student Answer Sheet
  • Teacher Answer Keys
  • Escape Room Reflection for homework or in-class writing activity

Although this escape room is ideal for March, it can be used at any time throughout the year without modification, particularly if you have a sports-obsessed class!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Can't get enough escape rooms? Check out more by Language Arts Excellence here:

Halloween ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Thanksgiving ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Christmas ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ New Year's ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Valentine's Day ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ 100th Day of School ELA Escape Room

⭐ Escape to Spring Break ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Back to School ELA ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ End of Year ELA ESCAPE ROOM

_____________________________________________________________________________________

⭐⭐⭐For the escape room enthusiasts out there, you can now build your own bundle at 20% off the cover price of 3 or more escape rooms! Click the link to check out all of the escape rooms Language Arts Excellence has to offer: Build Your Own Escape Room BUNDLE⭐⭐⭐

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

English Language Arts
Grammar
Informational Text
$8.75
Product

Full Year of ELA Escape Rooms BUNDLE - Volume 3

By Language Arts Excellence

This bundle features a full year's worth (one escape room per month) of our rigorous and engaging escape rooms for your secondary Language Arts classroom - third edition.

There is no wonder why escape rooms are so popular; they are highly engaging and encourage people to work together and think creatively in order to solve different puzzles... all while trying to beat the clock! This meticulously-crafted resource features all of the materials you need to conduct 12 full-length ELA Escape Rooms. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task, but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to signs and answer keys so that yours run smoothly from start to finish. These activities involve movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. Plus, all tasks are skills-based and aligned to the Common Core so that with each escape room, learning is not sacrificed. Your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of these games!

How does it work?

Your students must work to escape your classroom by solving 5 different Language Arts skills-based puzzles, discovering hidden messages, and finding clues along the way.

Each Escape Room Includes:

- Escape Room Basics

- Detailed Day-Of Instructions

- Escape Room Print Checklist

- Student Teams Chart

- Welcome Sign for Your Door

- Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs to be folded upright, task instructions (2 per page for easy printing), and necessary information to be kept at stations

- Student Answer Booklets (small and large options)

- Teacher Answer Keys

- Code Word Theme Open Response for homework or in-class writing activity

- Escape Room Reflection for homework or in-class writing activity

Suggested Escape Room Progression:

  • August - Back to School Poetry Escape Room
  • September - The Raven ESCAPE ROOM
  • October - Halloween Grammar Escape Room
  • November - Veterans Day Stations Activity
  • December - A Christmas Carol ESCAPE ROOM
  • January - Macbeth ESCAPE ROOM
  • February - Valentine's Day Poetry Escape Room
  • March - March Basketball ELA Escape Room
  • April - The Lottery ESCAPE ROOM
  • May - Memorial Day Stations Activity
  • June - The Alchemist ESCAPE ROOM
  • July - End of Year Grammar Escape Room

Purchasing this bundle saves over 30% off the cover price of a year's worth of escape rooms. All are suitable for middle-high school students.

___________________________________________________________________

If this combination of escape rooms isn't exactly what you're looking for, check out volumes 1 & 2 as well as our digital escape room bundle:

Full Year of ELA Escape Rooms BUNDLE

Full Year of ELA Escape Rooms BUNDLE - Volume 2

Full Year of Digital ELA Escape Rooms BUNDLE

___________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

$105.00
$72.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Zodiac Killer: True Crime Forensic Science Reading Comprehension Worksheet

By More Lessons Less Planning

Zodiac Killer Case Overview: Forensic Science Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Dive into one of the most chilling unsolved mysteries in American history with this detailed reading comprehension worksheet on the Zodiac Killer. Designed for high school forensic science classes, this resource gives students an in-depth look at the Zodiac Killer’s timeline of crimes, the infamous ciphers, key suspects, and the lasting impact of the case on law enforcement and popular culture.

This worksheet provides a gripping narrative of the case, broken into detailed sections that guide students through the events from the Zodiac's first known attack to his cryptic messages sent to media outlets. Students will be introduced to the key aspects of the investigation, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the suspects that have emerged over the years. The inclusion of a case study on the "340-symbol cipher" helps students explore how breakthroughs in cryptographic analysis can influence criminal investigations.

Each section of this resource is followed by engaging questions—multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer—that challenge students to think critically about the evidence and the impact of media on criminal cases. This makes it perfect for deeper learning and is ideal for use as sub plans to keep students actively engaged.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop skills in evaluating evidence and analyzing historical crime cases.
  • Gain an understanding of forensic science techniques used in criminal investigations.
  • Explore the role of media and cryptography in high-profile cases.

Common Core Standards and Suggested Courses:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.3: Analyze a complex set of ideas or events.
  • Suggested for Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Social Studies, Psychology, and U.S. History courses.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

If you like this, please check out my related bundle on famous serial killers

English Language Arts
Informational Text
Forensics
$1.25
Product
Product
Product
Product

Ten True Crime Scene Investigation Simulations Forensic Science Detective Kit

By More Lessons Less Planning

High School Forensic Science Crime Scene Investigations: 10 Engaging Cases for Critical Thinking

Bring the excitement of crime-solving into your classroom with this 10 Crime Scene Investigation Activity Bundle tailored specifically for high school forensic science students. Each investigation immerses students in realistic scenarios that will have them thinking like detectives, evaluating evidence, and piecing together the clues to solve each mystery. These cases are designed to challenge students' critical thinking, develop their analytical skills, and keep them fully engaged throughout the learning process.

What’s Included:

  • Case Overviews: Ten different crime scene narratives present unique situations for students to investigate.
  • Witness Statements: Detailed accounts from multiple witnesses encourage students to evaluate reliability and bias.
  • Suspect Graphic Organizer: A pre-filled suspect list for each case that allows students to gather evidence for and against each suspect.
  • Investigation Questions: Guided questions that promote analysis and draw students to logical conclusions.
  • Answer Keys: Comprehensive answer keys to assist teachers in evaluating student work.

The 10 Crime Scene Cases:

The Poisoned Picnic:

  • A festive community picnic turns tragic when several attendees fall ill after eating a shared dish. Students must piece together witness testimonies, evaluate food contamination, and narrow down the suspect list to find out who tampered with the dish

The Sabotaged Science Experiment:

  • A promising chemistry student’s science fair experiment goes awry, producing dangerous smoke instead of the expected results. Students will explore motivations, analyze evidence of tampering, and determine if jealousy played a role in this case of sabotage.

The Art Heist:

  • A priceless painting is stolen from a museum, seemingly without a trace. Students will evaluate security footage, question suspicious behaviors, and investigate relationships among museum staff and attendees to figure out who walked away with the masterpiece.

The Vandalized Car:

  • A quiet neighborhood is shocked when Mr. Thompson's car is found covered in graffiti and with its tires slashed. Was it an act of revenge, a prank gone wrong, or something else entirely? Students must determine which suspect had the motive, opportunity, and means.

The Warehouse Fire:

  • A warehouse storing construction supplies goes up in flames under suspicious circumstances. Students will investigate the possibility of arson, analyzing witness testimonies and suspect motives to determine who had the most to gain from the fire.

The Missing Test Papers:

  • Final exam papers disappear from Mrs. Thompson’s locked desk drawer. Students will evaluate who had access to the staff room and investigate motives ranging from helping friends to undermining authority, leading them to uncover the truth behind the missing tests.

The Stolen Cow:

  • On a small farm, a prize-winning cow named Bessie mysteriously vanishes overnight. Students must explore the relationships between the farm owner, neighboring farmers, and farmhands to determine who had a reason to steal Bessie and how they did it.

The Stolen Formula:

  • A groundbreaking chemical formula goes missing from a high-tech research lab, jeopardizing months of work. Students will investigate rival scientists, disgruntled employees, and others who had access to the formula to determine who could have stolen it—and why.

The Warehouse Theft:

  • A series of items go missing from a shipping warehouse, with no clear sign of forced entry. Was it an inside job, or did someone find a way to bypass security? Students will work through testimonies and logistics to identify the culprit and the methods used.

The Stolen Necklace:

  • A valuable necklace disappears during a high-society event. The investigation leads students through alibis, potential motivations of jealousy or greed, and witness contradictions to determine who was responsible for the theft.

Great for:

  • Sub Plans: These activities require minimal setup, making them perfect for substitute teachers while keeping students actively engaged in learning.
  • Deeper Learning: Encourage deeper thinking with activities that challenge students to evaluate evidence critically and make informed decisions based on the data provided.

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyze and Evaluate Evidence: Students will practice gathering, evaluating, and connecting evidence to solve complex problems.
  • Develop Logical Reasoning: Students will build logical reasoning skills by connecting witness testimonies and physical evidence to identify suspects.
  • Enhance Reading Comprehension and Writing: Students will improve their reading comprehension through case studies and articulate their findings in investigation summaries.

Aligned Common Core Standards:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.3: Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions.

Courses:

  • Forensic Science: Perfect for supplementing a high school forensic science course, providing hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities.
  • English Language Arts (ELA): Ideal for ELA classes that want to incorporate nonfiction and analytical reading components into their lessons.
  • Criminal Justice and Social Studies: Great for exploring themes related to criminal justice, sociology, and human behavior.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

Related Products

Forensic Mysteries

  • Unleash the CSI in your students! Explore 10 real-life forensic mysteries with this captivating reading comprehension bundle!

Forensic Files 

  • Unleash the detective within your students with this captivating bundle of 12 reading comprehension worksheets that explore the diverse wonders of forensic science!

Forensic Case Files

  • Become crime scene detectives! Captivating forensic science cases through reading comprehension, igniting critical thinking skills.

Serial Killer Reading Bundle

  • Unravel the chilling narratives of history's most infamous serial killers with this in-depth reading comprehension bundle!

Unsolved Mysteries Reading Bundle 

  • Unravel the mysteries of true crime with 10 engaging reading comprehension worksheets, fostering critical thinking and analysis of real-world cases.
English Language Arts
Informational Text
Forensics
$4.50
Product
Product
Product
Product

Psychology: True Crime Forensic Science Guided Reading Comprehension Worksheet

By More Lessons Less Planning

Unleash the Mindhunter Within: Dive into the Darkly Fascinating World of Forensic Psychology ️‍♀️

Engage your students like never before with this captivating reading comprehension worksheet that aligns with Common Core Standards to explore the thrilling realm of forensic psychology. Unravel the hidden motives and twisted patterns behind criminal behavior, all while honing essential reading and critical thinking skills.

This standards-aligned resource covers:

  • The Dark Detective of the Mind (RI.7.8.8): Uncover the scientific foundation of forensic psychology, where intuition meets science and the whispers of the mind reveal dark secrets.
  • Unraveling the Criminal Mosaic (RI.7.8.7): Learn how psychological assessments, behavioral analysis, and criminological insights piece together the fractured puzzle of criminal motives and modus operandi.
  • Beyond Profiling: Demystifying the Myth (W.7.6.2): Discover the true power and limitations of offender profiling, how it guides investigations, and its role in understanding the bigger picture of criminal behavior.
  • Future Horizons: A Glimpse into the Evolving Mind (SL.7.1.3): Explore the cutting-edge advancements in neuroimaging and big data analysis, and their potential to reshape the future of crime prevention and detection.

Boost student engagement with:

  • Gripping Case Study (RI.7.8.7): Analyze a real-world example of forensic psychology in action, where a skilled expert cracks a chilling serial killer case.
  • Thought-provoking Questions: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions test comprehension and ignite critical thinking.
  • Clear Answer Key: Save valuable time with a detailed answer key for effortless assessment.

Don't wait! Unlock the secrets of the criminal mind and spark your students' curiosity with this invaluable addition to your standards-aligned classroom arsenal.

English Language Arts
Informational Text
Forensics
$1.25
Product
Product
Product
Product

Danielle van Dam True Crime Forensic Science Entomology Reading Comprehension

By More Lessons Less Planning

Forensic Entomology in the Danielle van Dam Case: Analyzing Insect Evidence in Criminal Investigations – Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Dive into the captivating world of forensic science with this detailed reading comprehension worksheet focused on forensic entomology, using the case of Danielle van Dam to highlight real-world applications. Designed for high school and college students, this resource breaks down the scientific method of forensic entomology, showcasing how investigators used insect development to establish a time of death in this tragic case. By examining the life stages of blowflies and considering environmental conditions, forensic scientists provided essential evidence that contributed to the prosecution’s case, leading to a conviction. This worksheet will enhance students' understanding of forensic techniques and evidence evaluation in criminal cases.

What’s Inside:

  • Reading Passage: Explains forensic entomology with a real case example, the abduction and investigation of Danielle van Dam.
  • Primary Source Excerpt: Quotes from a forensic expert’s testimony in court.
  • Questions & Answer Key: Includes multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions to deepen understanding and encourage critical thinking.
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Identify and describe the stages of insect development in forensic entomology.
    • Analyze how forensic entomologists use environmental conditions to estimate time of death.
    • Explain the role of forensic entomology in supporting a criminal investigation and prosecution.

Standards and Suggested Courses:

  • Common Core Standards
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2: Determine central ideas of a text and analyze its development.
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.4: Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words.
  • Suggested Courses
    • Forensic Science
    • Criminology
    • Biology

Whether used for deeper learning or as sub plans, this worksheet is ideal for engaging students in scientific inquiry and connecting theoretical concepts to real-life applications.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

Related Products

Crime Scene Investigations

  • Unleash your students' inner detectives with this engaging bundle of 10 forensic science investigations. Each case includes detailed evidence, witness statements, and guided questions to challenge critical thinking and analytical skills.

Cults and Crime: Forensic Science Reading Comprehension Bundle

  • Explore how forensic science uncovers the hidden agendas of notorious cults with this 10-worksheet bundle. Each worksheet delves into real-life cult cases, using forensic evidence to solve crimes and deepen students’ understanding of criminal investigations.

Forensic Mysteries

  • Unleash the CSI in your students! Explore 10 real-life forensic mysteries with this captivating reading comprehension bundle!

Forensic Files 

  • Unleash the detective within your students with this captivating bundle of 12 reading comprehension worksheets that explore the diverse wonders of forensic science!

Forensic Case Files

  • Become crime scene detectives! Captivating forensic science cases through reading comprehension, igniting critical thinking skills.

Menendez Brothers Case Bundle

  • Immerse your students in the infamous Menendez Brothers case with 10 detailed worksheets that explore forensic evidence, trial drama, and psychological insights, perfect for fostering critical thinking and comprehension.

Serial Killer Reading Bundle

  • Unravel the chilling narratives of history's most infamous serial killers with this in-depth reading comprehension bundle!

Unsolved Mysteries Reading Bundle 

  • Unravel the mysteries of true crime with 10 engaging reading comprehension worksheets, fostering critical thinking and analysis of real-world cases.
Informational Text
Forensics
Social Studies - History
$1.40