Elementary, My Dear Watson
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Elementary, My Dear Watson is an interdisciplinary humanities and math/science project inspired by the fictional character - Sherlock Holmes! The character of Sherlock Holmes was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as an embodiment of the scientific method. He is an expert of observation, mindfulness, and deduction. Students will use Sherlock’s stories and methods, along with more modern techniques of solving crimes (particularly DNA testing and genetics) to explore the world of criminology, the scientific method, genetics, observation skills, and fictional mystery stories.
Here is a timeline of this project for humanities:
Weeks 1-10 (1/21 – 3/21): Elementary, My Dear Watson
In this interdisciplinary project, students will be exploring mystery stories and modern forensic science through the lens of Sherlock Holmes. In humanities, students will be reading several short stories from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as well as other mystery short stories. Students will analyze the structure and narrative techniques of mystery stories, and then write their own mystery story.
Week 1 (1/21-1/24): Getting to know Sherlock Holmes
· Analyzing Sherlock’s character, technique of deduction, and use of the scientific method
· Author study of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, including historical context of the stories and the creation of Sherlock’s character
Weeks 2-5 (1/27-2/13): Analyzing plot diagrams and narrative techniques
· Reading short stories and watching short mystery videos
· Organizing plots of short stories and videos into plot diagram structure
· Creating our own story plots using the plot diagram structure
· Practicing narrative techniques, including dialogue, character development, narrative voice, and descriptive language
Weeks 6-9 (2/17-3/14): Putting plot designs into written narrative
· Using plot designs and narrative techniques, students will go through writing process to create final drafts of their mystery stories
Week 10 (3/17-3/21): Exhibition Week
· Finalizing stories and preparing for exhibition
· Fiesta del Sol Exhibition - Wednesday, March 19
· Reflecting and updating Digital Portfolios
Elementary, My Dear Watson is an interdisciplinary humanities and math/science project inspired by the fictional character - Sherlock Holmes! The character of Sherlock Holmes was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as an embodiment of the scientific method. He is an expert of observation, mindfulness, and deduction. Students will use Sherlock’s stories and methods, along with more modern techniques of solving crimes (particularly DNA testing and genetics) to explore the world of criminology, the scientific method, genetics, observation skills, and fictional mystery stories.
Here is a timeline of this project for humanities:
Weeks 1-10 (1/21 – 3/21): Elementary, My Dear Watson
In this interdisciplinary project, students will be exploring mystery stories and modern forensic science through the lens of Sherlock Holmes. In humanities, students will be reading several short stories from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as well as other mystery short stories. Students will analyze the structure and narrative techniques of mystery stories, and then write their own mystery story.
Week 1 (1/21-1/24): Getting to know Sherlock Holmes
· Analyzing Sherlock’s character, technique of deduction, and use of the scientific method
· Author study of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, including historical context of the stories and the creation of Sherlock’s character
Weeks 2-5 (1/27-2/13): Analyzing plot diagrams and narrative techniques
· Reading short stories and watching short mystery videos
· Organizing plots of short stories and videos into plot diagram structure
· Creating our own story plots using the plot diagram structure
· Practicing narrative techniques, including dialogue, character development, narrative voice, and descriptive language
Weeks 6-9 (2/17-3/14): Putting plot designs into written narrative
· Using plot designs and narrative techniques, students will go through writing process to create final drafts of their mystery stories
Week 10 (3/17-3/21): Exhibition Week
· Finalizing stories and preparing for exhibition
· Fiesta del Sol Exhibition - Wednesday, March 19
· Reflecting and updating Digital Portfolios