Introduction

Today, you have been chosen to become the next Sherlock Holmes! It is up to you to figure out all of the elements that make up a mystery. We are depending on you to find out what makes the genre of fiction-mystery writing different than the other literary genres. Make sure to collect all of your clues in a journal so that you can refer to it as you continue your investigation!

The Quest

What makes the genre of fiction-mystery writing different than any other literary genre?

The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be working independently. Each person will answer the Task or Quest(ion). You will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about Mystery- Fiction. Your investigation will begin by reading two different short story fiction mysteries created by two students. You will need to take an in-depth look at the different elements that are evident within the text. Be sure to pay close attention to all of the descriptive details! You will need these clues to decide which elements make up the genre of mystery writing.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these questions as fully and insightfully as you can. Remember that all of your evidence will be found within these two mystery pieces.

• A Cardless Valentine's Day - A mystery created by a young girl named Juliet. A short fictional story taken place in her classroom.
• Wisenheimer Mansion Monsters - A mystery created by a young boy. A fictional short mystery about a haunted house in a young boy's neighborhood.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS: The following questions are resources for you to use to begin your investigation. All of the questions need to be answered using complete sentences! Be sure to read all of the information carefully.

What is the crime?

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to What is the crime?:

1.

Who are the suspects?

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Who are the suspects?:

1.

What is the evidence?

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to What is the evidence?:

1.

Who are the witnesses?

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Who are the witnesses?:

1.

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

Now that you have investigated the different examples of Mystery-Fiction and answered the previous questions, you should be ready to solve the mystery! Look over all of your clues once again to make sure that all of your evidence is correct!

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

The time has finally come...what are the elements that make up the genre of mystery-fiction literature? You will need to create a list of the elements. Be sure to include what the elements are and their definitions. Describe how these elements compare with the other literary genres. Be sure to include some similarities and differences.

Your Contact is: the designated contact

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have solved the mystery! You were able to use all of the clues within the stories to determine what the elements were that create a mystery-fiction genre. In conclusion, what other parts of Mystery- Fiction could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.