The Body in the Woods: A Point Last Seen Mystery

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“The Body in the Woods Evidence Board”

In this activity, students will demonstrate their ability to follow Ruby’s inferences and deductions as the plot unfolds by creating an “evidence board” presentation that gradually reveals the solution to the mystery.

Ruby is the most analytical and observant team member. What does she observe, what inferences does she make, and how does she gradually deduce the solution to the mystery? In this activity, you will create a presentation that uses an “evidence board” format to follow Ruby’s thought process as she considers who is responsible for the murders.

Do Some Background Research

• What is an evidence board? Look at some online examples to make sure you understand what one looks like.
• Which presentation maker will work best to create your evidence board? Explore online options or physical materials.

Gather Your Clues

• Make a list of the clues that Ruby observes or that others share with her, in the order that Ruby obtains them.
• Make notes about what inferences she draws and the deductions she makes. Be sure to also note when her ideas change and why they change.