As teachers, we have all witnessed the power of intrigue or mystery in sparking student interest in a subject matter. Students seem to gravitate towards topics that have a hidden answer or secret code. Such is the case with this program. The Mystery Scientist Program is a wonderful, supplementary activity that can be used in science classes to augment the learning process. It can even serve as a unique entry point into a new topic or related concept. Using the accompanying CD, teachers reveal one or two images (clues) a day, allowing the students time to study and research each one. The images used are arranged from most difficult or obscure to rather easy or obvious. By the time all 10 images are displayed, the majority of the students in the class should have correctly identified the scientist. Guessing the correct scientist is only part of the game; figuring out how each clue relates to the scientist presents another challenge. Further, clues are not all related to science; some deal with various aspects of that person's life. This adds a human element that allows students to relate to these "giants" in science. In addition, while the students are researching the clues, they will hopefully enhance their library and/or computer/internet skills. The exact details of the Mystery Scientist Program are listed below.

The CD-ROM contains 30 modules of famous scientists throughout history. The scientists represent a diverse group, spanning the ages and incorporating male and female scientists from multiple disciplines. Each module contains ten images, which are sequentially ordered and displayed as spokes on a wheel. A teacher may choose to reveal one or two images a day. Students should closely examine the images each day and independently research the clues outside the classroom. Part of the intrigue is guessing who the scientist is. The other part is deciphering how each clue relates to the scientist. Once the entire module has been presented, the students now have a 1-2 page writing assignment in which they explain who the mystery scientist is, and how each clue presented, is related to the scientist. Once a module has been completed, a teacher can then begin a second one, and so on. Answer sheets for each module and an assessment rubric are provided for the teachers on the CD-ROM.

Moreover, at the end of each module, once the assignments are collected, a class discussion on each scientist might serve as a dynamic opportunity to find out what specifically interested students about that scientist. This can serve as a motivating factor for beginning a unit or discussing a related concept. For example, discussing Pasteurization of milk and wine lends itself easily to a discussion on germ theory.

Once teachers have completed a number of modules (or however many they choose to present), it is now time to turn the tables on the students. Students can do this part individually or in small groups. Compile a list of scientists that you deem relevant to your subject, enough so that each group in all your science classes has a unique scientist. Place the name of each scientist on a piece of paper and place them in a hat. Announce to the class that each group is prohibited from revealing what scientist they draw out of the hat. They should be allowed a week or two to thoroughly research the scientist. They should work to create a mystery scientist page, very similar to the model presented on the CD-ROM. This will challenge their computer skills. Likewise, clues should be arranged from most obscure to most obvious. They should also prepare answer sheets with related links. Teachers can then use peer evaluation or outside judges to select the best modules.

It should be noted that any number of variations or modifications can be used with this CD. If you have any outstanding or unique ideas that you would like to share, please contact me. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me for answers or help. Feedback is always appreciated.

Alvin Lamarre

alamarre@socal.rr.com

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