Homeschool Resources Mystery of History & Scholastic: History Mystery

It’s Thursday and time for Social Sciences!

 Age Range: 9-13 (Grades 4-8, with parental supervision)

When you get to the site, you will see your animated guide, Dr. Carlotta Facts, a professor at the fictional History Mystery Museum. Dr. Facts challenges students to figure out the historical person, place, event, or object she is studying based on 4-5 clues she provides. The idea is to solve the mystery in as few clues as possible.

Students are encouraged to use the clues to research the World Wide Web (or use offline resources like textbooks, maps, and reference books) to solve the mystery. There is an online search mechanism built into the game. Each “History Mystery” game is themed in the United States or world history and includes topics in these categories:

Within each topic category, there is a list of sub-topics. Click on anyone to play a game themed on that topic. Once students think they have solved the mystery, they submit an answer. If the answer is correct, they receive a designation as an investigator of historical mysteries and an opportunity to learn more about the subject. If the answer is incorrect, they can receive another clue, investigate further, or submit another solution. They can also click on “see the answer” and read all about the topic.

The History Mystery game is a fun way to challenge your knowledge of history and a great way to introduce information on various historical periods, civilizations, industry and technology, specific landforms and geography, and elements of culture.