The Investigators

Project Overview

Created in partnership with Digital Inquiry Group, led by Dr. Sam Wineburg and Dr. Joel Breakstone, The Investigators transforms students into school news reporters on a quest for the facts. Through three investigative scenarios, learners deepen their information literacy skills by uncovering mysteries, spotting untrustworthy information, and learning when to share or not share information they cannot validate.

Addressing the essential question "In a world shaped by information, bias, and persuasion, how can we ensure the accuracy and authenticity of our knowledge to make informed decisions for our communities and society at large?", this 45-minute experience can be taught across multiple sessions or as a single classroom lesson, integrating seamlessly with existing curricula in media centers and out-of-school learning environments.

Story 1: Poor Sustainability Rating

When the school's sustainability score drops, everyone has an opinion about why. Students must investigate each suggestion and discover what really affects sustainability.

Start your investigation in the classroom where the sustainability crisis is announced

Access computer terminals to research sustainability data and verify claims

Place banners representing different sustainability solutions and see their impact

Story 2: New School Sport Vote

The school is adding a new sport, but which one? Try out different options, listen to supporters' arguments, and uncover hidden motives behind each campaign.

Try out archery as one of the proposed new school sports

Test your skills at football penalties, another sport option under consideration

Explore the impressive diving facility and consider this aquatic option

The Campaign Trail

Navigate the politics of the new sport vote, uncovering bias and hidden agendas:

Visit campaign stalls where each sport's supporters make their case

Uncover the real motives behind each sport's passionate advocates

Follow leads to unexpected locations like the mysterious sheep farm

Story 3: Cyber Bullying Mystery

A Class Presidential Election takes a dark turn with apparent cyber bullying. Investigate the digital evidence, examine motives, and uncover the truth.

Navigate through digital evidence in the code maze, representing the complexity of online investigations

Interview suspects and witnesses to understand who had means and motive

Analyze conflicting evidence as the cyber bullying plot becomes more complex

Digital Investigation Tools

Use technology to uncover the truth in the cyber bullying case:

Navigate digital obstacles in the code parkour, representing firewall bypassing and data recovery

Use the memory game to recover encrypted passwords and access protected files

Follow digital footprints in the tracks game to trace the source of cyber attacks

Unexpected Twists & Humor

The New School Sport Vote takes surprising turns that keep students engaged:

The infamous 'sheep inquisition' adds humor while teaching interview techniques

Even the sheep have opinions about which sport should be chosen

Take the plunge from the high diving board while investigating the aquatics lobby

Special Tools & Features

Unique gameplay elements enhance the investigation experience:

Use the spanner tool to investigate maintenance issues affecting sustainability

Interview NPCs using modern technology, reflecting contemporary information sharing

Read articles that track your investigation progress across all three scenarios

Educational Impact

The Investigators addresses comprehensive information literacy standards (AECT/AASL):

• Assess information efficiently and effectively
• Evaluate information critically and competently
• Use information effectively and creatively
• Pursue information related to personal interests
• Strive for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation
• Recognize the importance of information to a democratic society
• Practice ethical behaviour regarding information and technology
• Participate effectively in groups to pursue and generate information

Supporting Resources

• Comprehensive Educator Guide created by global media literacy experts
• Presentation slides for extended Information Literacy lessons
• Formative assessments for tracking student progress
• Pre-game lesson plans and guiding questions
• Lesson-specific materials for each investigation scenario
• Follow-up resources for continued learning
• Designed for flexible implementation across multiple sessions
• Support for Technology, Reading & Writing, and Digital Literacy curricula

Implementation Flexibility

The Investigators adapts to various educational contexts and curricula: