Deciphering History's Mysteries

There's something extra exciting when studying history and you stumble upon a mystery. In this class, we will be investigating some of the United States more well known unsolved "cold Cases". Every other week, students will be presented with an outline of the case. We will discuss the evidence and theories that have been suggested. Students will then examine both primary and secondary sources to arrive at what they consider the best theory as to what actually happened. Students will then present their theories the following class in a case file format. They can work alone or in groups, dividing up research. 

Case file format: 

Background on the Historical Event
The Most Plausible Theory
At least three pieces of evidence that support that theory
An explanation of each piece of evidence you present
Explanation of one alternate theory and your reasons for discarding it
Why this investigation was a worthwhile endeavor

We will discuss the different types of sources and how to examine bias or misleading information. 

Week 1 - Introduction; Discussion of different types of sources and how to create a case file; What/Who started the Great Chicago fire?
Week 2 - Presentations and discussions
Week 3 - What really happened to Amelia Earhart? 
Week 4 - Presentations and discussions
Week 5 - What was Mary Surratt's involvement in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln?
Week 6 - Presentations and discussions
Week 7 - What happened to DB Cooper?
Week 8 - Presentations and discussions
Week 9 - Did Lizzie Borden get away with murder? 
Week 10 - Presentations and discussions 
Week 11 - Is Bigfoot real or a figment of overactive imaginations?
Week 12 - Presentations and discussions; Summary of class and what we have learned