Students will have the opportunity to investigate, learn and create as they work through an enigma unit. They will also explore some of the many areas of science and how each approaches an enigma differently using the scientific process. A list of the branches of science and a description of the scientific method are provided. Students can refer back to these when answering certain questions at the end of their enigma story. This resource contains stories about eight enigmas. Each story is followed by discussion questions, creative questions, and learning-center activities that provide challenges for your gifted students as well as your on-level students. There is also a research unit which includes the steps to a successful research project and how to implement the unit.

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 3–6.

The lessons and activities in this series align with the following Common Core State Standards*:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2, 3.4, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10; RI.3.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2, 4.4, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10; RI.4.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2, 5.4. 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10; RI.5.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2, 6.4. 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10; RI.6.1

Reading Informational Text: Key Ideas and Details
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Production and Distribution of Writing
Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose.
With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.

Research to Build and Present Knowledge
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
Participate in shared research and writing projects.
Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Range of Writing
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. Copyright Date: 2010