Outschool
Search

$17

weekly
Class
Play

Once Upon a Crime- A True Crime and Mystery Social Club

Completed by 373 learners
Ages 12-16
Live Group Class
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.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(118 reviews)
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week
3-7 learners per class
55 min

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
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
 
February 7-13: Diane Downs* killed her children (repeat from June 2023). 

February 14-20: Murder: Kristel Candelario

February 21-27: Serial Killer- Tamara Samsonova 

February 28- March 6:  Influencers & The Corruption of Fame

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
Murder- Phylicia Simone Barnes



* 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
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
FBI (FBI.gov) Crime Museum (Crimemuseum.org) Case Law (https://caselaw.findlaw.com) Missing Persons Center (missingpersonscenter.org)

Meet the teacher

4.9
118reviews
Popular
Profile
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

Ms. Chelsea M. Ed. | ELA, Paranormal, & True Crime suggests this class next...
Ghost Stories: Paranormal Folklore, Myths, and Urban Legends Social Club
Ms. Chelsea M. Ed. | ELA, Paranormal, & True Crime
4.9
(118)
$15 per class
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
10-14


Parents also liked
Navigating Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement: A Teen's Guide to Social Justice
Outschool Teen Educator: Dr. Kai Kafferly, PhD
5.0
(629)
$20 per class
Next session at 6:15 PM on Wed 6/4
Group Class
13 wks, 1/wk, 45 min
14-18
Law School for Teens - Criminal Law - Ongoing Class
Mike Traywick - Think, Reason, and Argue Better
4.9
(428)
$20 per class
Next session at 9 PM on Thursday
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
13-17
Intro to Criminal Law-Responsibility, Criminal Capacity, & Exculpation (Part 3)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Sun 3/2
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 50 min
14-18
Intro to Criminal Law- Inchoate Crimes (Part 2)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 8 PM on Wed 3/5
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 55 min
14-18
Intro to Criminal Law- Elements of a Crime (Part 1)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 8 PM on Wednesday
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 55 min
14-18
Intro to Criminal Law- Property Crimes (Part 5)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 11 PM on Sat 3/15
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 55 min
14-18
Intro to Criminal Law- Crimes Against the Person (Part 4)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Sun 3/9
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 1.17 hr
14-18
Law School for Teens - Sports Law - Ongoing
Mike Traywick - Think, Reason, and Argue Better
4.9
(428)
$20 per class
Next session at 9 PM on Tuesday
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
13-17
Interested or Preparing for a Career in Law Enforcement
Lance Davis B.S. Criminal Justice
5.0
(100)
$25 per class
Next session at 8:30 PM on Mon 3/24
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 45 min
14-18
Law Enforcement Cadet Academy (New Class Starts in January)
Lance Davis B.S. Criminal Justice
5.0
(100)
$12 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Tuesday
Group Class
1/wk, 40 min
13-18
Law School for Teens - Know Your Rights! - Constitutional Law - Ongoing
Mike Traywick - Think, Reason, and Argue Better
4.9
(428)
$20 per class
Next session at 8 PM on Wed 8/6
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
13-18
Justice Served: Ongoing Supreme Court Case Discussion
Kirsten Bowman JD
4.9
(777)
$17 per class
Next session at 5 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
12-17
Law School for Teens - Weekly Class - Ongoing Class
Mike Traywick - Think, Reason, and Argue Better
4.9
(428)
$20 per class
Next session at 11 PM on Mon 8/4
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
12-17
Conflict in the Middle East: An International Law Perspective
Kirsten Bowman JD
4.9
(777)
$20 per class
Group Class
6 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
What Is Law School Really Like?
Spencer Bishins
4.9
(29)
$40 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Tue 5/6
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 45 min
14-18
12 Angry Men: A Movie Study on Justice, Bias, and Consensus
Kathy Wilder
4.9
(453)
$20 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Tuesday
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 50 min
14-18
See More Classes
Home
Search
Give a Gift Card
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Language & Region
Log In