Once Upon a Crime- A True Crime and Mystery Social Club
In this class, learners will become detectives as they sift through evidence and discuss cold cases, serial killers, kidnappings, conspiracies, corruption, the criminal justice system and much more throughout history.
Ms. Chelsea M. Ed. | ELA, Paranormal, & True Crime
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(115)
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What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
Students are encouraged to research crimes on their own and come to class with questions and discussion topics ready, but this is not necessary.Assessment
Ongoing and informal assessment will occur during every meeting, through interactions and assignments. There will not be any formal tests.Grading
Grades and certificates of completion provided on request. Grades will be in the form of A, B, C, D, F. Though grades can be important in determining mastery, learning and growth is most important.Class Experience
True crime aficionados, internet sleuths, and those interested in criminal justice unite! In this class, we will look at infamous crimes from a critical thinking point of view. We will learn about what happened and explore and discuss associated theories and events. These theories may include but are not limited to possible suspects, reasons behind the crime, and learner theories. Class will begin with a discussion on what it means to be respectful- to each other and to the victims. Please note that dark and difficult topics are often approached from a humorous standpoint. The class will be kept lighthearted and humor is more than acceptable, though it must remain respectable. I will also present learning and discussion goals at the beginning of class. Two broader goals for each class will consists of either psychological or forensic analysis, depending on the case discussed and what data is available. Smaller goals will consists of identifying a motive for perpetrators, comparing their profiles to profiles of other serial killers learners may have prior knowledge of, identifying investigation strengths and weaknesses, and occasionally creating theories indicating who the perpetrator may be- if he/she/they are unknown or if there is a possible wrongful conviction. I will present a slideshow with background information, events, facts, and theories. We will pause every few slides to discuss before moving on. Learners can contribute analysis and thoughts and ask questions at anytime. Videos and/or audio recordings will be played when available, giving learners the opportunity to observe perpetrators as they are (or wish to appear) and providing further psychological insight. Crime scene photos may be screen shared as well, but only when available and ONLY when there is nothing graphic (no blood or bodies). Other screen shared documents may consist of police and autopsy reports, prosecutorial and defense documents, and anything else that may be relative to the case. At the end of class, students will have the opportunity to continue the discussion on a thread in the classroom where they can add to what we discussed and present their own theories and research. Topics in this class may be sensitive to some learners and may include death and/or murder. I encourage parents to look at the schedule and make sure they feel upcoming topics are appropriate for their learner(s). Since learners have different maturity levels and parents know their learners best, the age range is flexible. If you would like to take this class, but the section you are interested in is full or you do not see a time that works for you, please, put in a request or message me and we will see what we can work out! Schedule September 20-26: OJ Simpson (repeat from May 2022) September 27- October 3: Murder- Andrea Yates PART 1* (she murdered all 5 of her children after suffering from postpartum depression & psychosis) October 4-10: Murder- Andrea Yates PART 2* (she murdered all 5 of her children after suffering from postpartum depression & psychosis) October 11-17: Serial Killer?- Jefferson Davis 8 October 18-24: Murder: Gypsy Rose October 25-31: Doomsday Cult- Order of the Solar Temple November 1-7: Serial Killer- Son of Sam November 8-14: Attempted Murder- Slenderman Stabbings November 15-21: Vanessa Guillen November 22-28: Murder- Phylicia Simone Barnes November 29- December 5: Serial Killer- Dean Corll* Candyman December 6-12: Serial Killer- Tamara Samsonova December 13-19: Murder- Political Corruption- Robert Budd Dwyer* December 20-26: Serial Killer- Carl Eugene Watts December 27-January 2: Serial Killer- Elizabeth Wettlaufer ----------------------2025----------------------------------- January 3-9: Serial Killer- John Martin Crawford January 10-16: Kidnapped- Elizabeth Smart January 17-23: Mutiny?: Deep Sea Liner 2682 January 24-30: Butcher of Kingsbury Run January 31- February 6: Murder- Lacey Fletcher February 7-13: Colleen Ballinger February 14-20: Murder: Kristel Candelario February 21-27: Serial Killer- Cleveland Torso Murderer February 28- March 6: Influencer Accusations- The Corruption of Fame: George Not Found & Caiti Bug, Miranda Sings, Sniperwolf March 7-13: Murder- Phillip Hutchinson March 14-20: Marvin Heemeyer March 21-27: Brianna Ghey March 28- April 3: Harley Dilly April 4-10: Murder- Patricia Newsome TBD, in order of request and updated 4/23/24 Jigsaw Murders Pedro Lopez Ronald Clark O'Brien * indicates sensitive topics and trigger warnings. Changes may be made to the schedule at any time, if my research shows material is inappropriate or if there is not enough information on a topic. The schedule is also based mostly on student requests, so feel free to share the crimes you find the most interesting!
Learning Goals
-Students will refine critical thinking skills.
-Students will learn how to use evidence to criticize and support theories.
-Students will work on public speaking and social skills with learners who share the same interests.
-Students will explore their imaginations.
Skills Practiced in this class include but are not limited to:
-Oral expression and comprehension
- The interconnected nature of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking
- Developing and sustaining foundational language skills
-Inquiry
-Critical thinking and analysis
-Literacy
-Building connections to themselves and their prior knowledge
-Creating relationships among ideas
Other Details
Learning Needs
Through my teaching experience, I have worked with autistic learners, as well as those with ADHD and Dyslexia in an academic setting. I try my best to meet learners where they are by scaffolding- providing supports and room for growth.
Parental Guidance
Parental guidance is suggested as we will be discussing crime, murder, and death. I will be sharing a slideshow on my screen so learners will not need to access any platforms other than Outschool.
Language of Instruction
English
Joined November, 2021
4.9
115reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from University of Texas of the Permian Basin
I have an Associate of Art in Criminal Justice (CJ) and two years of upper level CJ coursework. I have a Bachelor of Art in Maritime Studies with a focus in anthropology. Anthropology is the objective study of cultures and how societies live(d) and interact(ed). I also have a minor in anthropology focusing on Ancient civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome) as well as more recent civilizations including the Maya, Aztecs, and other Native American societies. I am certified to teach US grades 7-12 English Language Arts and have a Master's degree in Professional Education. Reviews
Live Group Class
$17
weekly1x per week
55 min
Completed by 358 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
3-8 learners per class
