Observation Update - Project Beyond

I had a unique observation with my case study student Jane. Project Beyond is like an Alpha program for gifted students. Jane is one of very few ESL students who have ever been in Project Beyond, and was partners with a girl named Sarah. The Project Beyond teacher explained to me that "a crime had been committed". There were crime scene photos of footprints and a teddy bear in the snow. Students had been taught previous lessons on the justice system, criminal trials and forensics. Today the students had been given packets with a list of suspects, evidence, and so on. The instructor explained that the teams of students were to conduct 3 experiments (investigations) to help them determine who might be guilty of the crime. There were three tables set up to:

1. compare fingerprints with those found at the crime scene.
2. using a pH strip to determine if the cola found at the crime scene contained a sleeping agent
3. determine if a brown stain found at the crime scene came from a pen/marker or if it was dye

Students were prompted to write down their findings and conclusions from the experiments in their crime scene packets. 

Jane had been absent when the story/mystery was first read to the rest of the class. So, the teacher took time to read the story to her, pointing to characters in the packet worksheet. During the experiments, there was peer-to-peer learning as students discussed how to conduct the experiments and their findings/conclusions with others at the table. During any discussion, Jane was usually silent, letting other students assume the leadership role within the discussion group.

Towards the end of the period, the teacher prompted students for information they found during the class: "Who handled the cup? Was it pen or dye?". The instructor told students to write a report and asked the students how the report is used. One student answered correctly by saying the forensic scientist writes the report on the experiments and the detective uses the report to draw conclusions about who committed the crime. 

here is a website I found that pretty much describes what I observed that day:

http://www.grandridge.issaquah.wednet.edu/teachers/ciraulor/3rd%20Grade/mr__bear_mystery.htm