Witness Statements Case File Worksheet Witness Statements
Case File: #001-ALPHA
Confidential
Detective:
Date:
Instructions: Analyze the following witness statements. Circle whether the evidence is a FACT or an OPINION. If it is an opinion, underline the "Word Trap" clue word!
1
"The suspect was wearing a bright neon green jacket that looked absolutely hideous."
Fact
Opinion
2
"The security camera recorded the front door opening at exactly 10:42 PM."
Fact
Opinion
3
"Chocolate chip cookies are the most delicious snacks for a late-night investigation."
Fact
Opinion
4
"There are fifty states in the United States of America."
Fact
Opinion
5
"The ice cream truck played a song that was much too loud for a Tuesday afternoon."
Fact
Opinion
6
"The thermometer outside the bank showed a temperature of 82 degrees."
Fact
Opinion
Truth Detective Agency • Case File Alpha-001 • Page 1 of 2
Detective Report: Creative Evidence
Part A: Write one FACT about your favorite animal.
Part B: Write one OPINION about your favorite animal.
The Verifiability Challenge
How could you PROVE your fact from Part A to another detective? Explain what evidence or records you would use.
Verification Status: Pending • Case File Alpha-001 • Page 2 of 2
Evidence Board Anchor Chart Truth Detectives
Department of Verifiable Evidence
Top Secret
EVIDENCE CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
1 WHAT IS A FACT?
A statement that can be proven true or false.
How to Identify:
Can be found in an encyclopedia or record.
Can be observed with your 5 senses.
Uses numbers, dates, or specific data.
Case Example:
"The sun rises in the east."
2 WHAT IS AN OPINION?
A personal belief, feeling, or judgment.
How to Identify:
Shows how someone feels about a topic.
Cannot be proven true or false for everyone.
WATCH FOR CLUE WORDS!
Case Example:
"Blue is the most beautiful color."
Clue Words for Opinions
I THINK / FEEL
BEST / WORST
SHOULD / MUST
ALWAYS / NEVER
BEAUTIFUL
DELICIOUS
TERRIBLE
INTERESTING
Official Training Material - Truth Detective Agency - Property of Area 4-A
First Clue Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Detective Briefing: Lesson 1
The First Clue: Intro to Fact vs. Opinion
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will be able to define fact and opinion and distinguish between them using clue words and verifiability strategies.
Standard Alignment
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.8: Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
Equipment Needed
• Evidence Board Anchor Chart
• Magnifying glasses (optional)
• Case File Worksheet
• "Truth vs. Tale" Sorting Cards
0-10 MIN
The Hook: Agency Induction
The Briefing: Enter the classroom wearing a trench coat or carrying a confidential folder. Tell the students: "Welcome to the Truth Detective Agency. We have a major problem—misinformation is spreading like a virus, and only trained detectives can spot the difference between a hard fact and a slippery opinion."
Initial Scan: Display two statements: 1. "Apples are red." 2. "Apples are the best fruit." Ask students: "Which one can I prove with a photo or a grocery store visit? Which one depends on who you ask?"
10-25 MIN
Direct Instruction: Evidence Training
Use the Evidence Board Anchor Chart to introduce key definitions:
Fact: A statement that is objectively true and can be proven (dates, math, science, history).Opinion: A subjective statement that expresses a feeling or belief. It uses "Word Traps" (adjectives like 'great', 'ugly', 'boring').
Teacher Tip: Emphasize that a fact can be false! "The moon is made of green cheese" is a fact-type statement because we can check it and prove it's wrong. An opinion like "Cheese tastes bad" can never be 'wrong' for everyone—it's just a feeling.
25-40 MIN
Guided Practice: Clue Hunt
Sorting Exercise: Read aloud several statements. Students give a "Thumbs Up" for Facts and "Hands on Heart" for Opinions.
"Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth." (Fact)
"Watching movies is the best way to spend a Saturday." (Opinion)
40-55 MIN
Independent Investigation
Students complete the "Witness Statements Case File" . They must highlight clue words that signal opinions and circle the facts that can be proven.
Support
Provide a 'Clue Word' bookmark with opinion indicators. Use sentence starters: "I know this is an opinion because it says..."
Proving the Case Teacher Guide Detective Briefing: Lesson 2
Proving the Case: The Power of Verifiability
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will understand that a fact is defined by its verifiability (being able to be proven) rather than just being "true."
Equipment Needed
• Proving the Case Slides
• Verification Log Worksheet
• Access to classroom library/internet
0-10 MIN
The Hook: The False Fact
The Challenge: Write "The moon is made of blue cheese" on the board. Ask: "Is this a fact or an opinion?"
The Twist: Most students will say opinion because it's false. Explain: "Actually, it's a FACT-TYPE statement. Why? Because we can PROVE it's wrong. An opinion like 'cheese is yummy' can never be proven wrong for everyone."
10-25 MIN
Direct Instruction: Search for Proof
Introduce the 3 Sources of Proof :
Observation: Can I see, hear, or touch it right now? (e.g., The lights are on.)Records/Research: Is it in a book, encyclopedia, or official document? (e.g., Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president.)Expert Testimony: Would a scientist, doctor, or historian confirm this?
25-45 MIN
Guided Practice: The Verification Lab
Give students a statement: "Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit."
The Lab: How would we verify this?
45-60 MIN
Independent Investigation
Students use the Verification Log to analyze 5 statements. For each fact, they must name exactly how they would prove it.
Support
Provide specific books or websites for the verification step. Use a "Proof Choice Board" with icons for Book, Eye, and Expert.
Extension
Ask students to find a "Fact" that used to be thought of as true but was proven false by science (e.g., Earth is the center of the solar system).
Verification Log Worksheet Verification Log
Truth Detective Agency • Lab Report #02
Lab Status: Active
Investigator:
Lab Date:
Observation
Records
Experts
Statement under investigation Fact / Opinion How would you verify it? (Name your tool) "The average height of a male African Elephant is 10 to 13 feet." F / O "Elephants are much more interesting to study than zebras." F / O "There are 24 desks in our classroom right now." F / O "Abraham Lincoln was the 16th U.S. President." F / O "The cafeteria's pizza is the best meal of the week." F / O "Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth above sea level." F / O "The new superhero movie is the most exciting film ever made." F / O "A standard deck of playing cards contains exactly 52 cards." F / O
Expert Challenge
Find one statement in a classroom book that is a FACT. Write it below and explain how you verified it using a source (book title, author, or page number).
Statement:
Verification Source:
Proprietary Property of T.D.A. • Do not distribute outside lab
Verification Lab Reference Sheet Truth Detectives
Verification Lab Reference Sheet
Ref: 002-LAB
Core Rule #1
What is a Fact?
A fact is a statement that can be PROVEN true or false.
The Falsehood Trap
"The moon is made of green cheese."
This is still a fact-type statement ! Why? Because we can go to the moon, test it, and PROVE it is wrong.
The Proof test
If you can use a tool, a book, or an expert to show whether it happened or not, it's a fact.
THE DETECTIVE'S TOOLBOX
Observation
Can you use your 5 senses to see or measure it right now?
Records
Is it in an encyclopedia, a map, or a historical document?
Experts
Would a scientist, doctor, or historian confirm this?
Practice Cases: Is it verifiable?
CASE #1
"There is a footprint on the playground that is 2 feet long."
VERDICT: YES. We can use Observation. Take a ruler and measure it!
CASE #2
"King Tutankhamun became Pharaoh of Egypt when he was 9 years old."
VERDICT: YES. We can use Records. Check a history book or ask an archaeologist.
THE OPINION TRAP
"Basketball is the most exciting sport in the world."
Can we prove this?
NO. Even if 1,000 people agree, the 1,001st person might think it's boring. There is no tool to measure "excitement."
Expert disagreement
A basketball coach might say yes, but a soccer coach would disagree. There is no such thing as an expert on "the best."
Official Training Material • Truth Detective Agency • Property of Area 4-A
Word Traps Teacher Guide Detective Briefing: Lesson 3
Word Traps: Spotting Subjective Language
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will identify "Word Traps"—adjectives and biased language—that signal an opinion even when a statement looks like a fact.
Equipment Needed
• Word Trap Slides
• Adjective Alarm Worksheet
• Highlighters (Yellow for Facts, Pink for Word Traps)
0-10 MIN
The Hook: The Hidden Trap
The Sneaky Statement: Show students: "The beautiful sun is 93 million miles away."
The Investigation: Ask: "Is this a fact or an opinion?" Some will say fact (because of the distance), some will say opinion (because of 'beautiful'). Explain: "This is a TRAP! It's a fact mixed with an opinion. As detectives, we have to strip away the 'opinion adjectives' to find the hard evidence."
10-25 MIN
Direct Instruction: Adjective Alarms
Define Word Traps : Slippery words that show a judgment rather than a measurement.
The Evidence (Fact)
"The car is 15 feet long."
Can be measured with a tape measure.
The Word Trap (Opinion)
"The car is way too long."
"Way too" depends on your parking spot!
Common Word Traps:
Always, Never, Best, Worst, Beautiful, Ugly, Delicious, Boring, Interesting, Should, Must.
25-40 MIN
Guided Practice: Trap Removal
Practice "cleaning" statements to make them pure facts.
• The boring book has 300 pages.
• The delicious pizza has 8 slices.
• The world's best dog weighs 20 pounds.
40-55 MIN
Independent Investigation
Students use the Adjective Alarm Worksheet . They must find the "trap" word in 10 sentences and rewrite the sentence as a pure fact.
55-60 MIN
Closing: Trap Detection
I say a sentence. If it has a trap word, students make a "siren" sound. If it's a pure fact, they stay silent as a detective.
Support
Focus on just 3 trap words (Best, Worst, Beautiful). Provide the "cleaned" sentence and have them match it to the "trapped" one.
Extension
Challenge students to write a paragraph about a topic they love, then go back and circle every "Word Trap" they accidentally used.
Adjective Alarm Worksheet Adjective Alarm
Truth Detective Agency • Lab Report #03
Danger Zone
Investigator:
Badge #:
Emergency Protocol: Neutralize the Word Traps!
1. Circle the Word Trap (adjective). 2. Rewrite as a PURE FACT below.
Item 01
"The mountain is incredibly high at 14,000 feet."
Item 02
"The cheetah ran 60 miles per hour, which is way too fast."
Item 03
"Our classroom has 25 uncomfortable wooden chairs."
Item 04
"George Washington was a great leader and the first president."
Item 05
"The giant squid has eyes as big as basketballs, which are terrifying."
Adjective Alarm • Lab Report #03 • Page 1 of 2
Item 06
"The bored students watched the slow clock for 10 minutes."
Item 07
"A massive blue whale can weigh up to 200 tons."
Item 08
"The delicious smell of baking bread filled the entire 2-story house."
The Evidence Cleaner
Why is it important for a detective to use pure facts in a report instead of word traps ? What could happen if a judge reads an opinion instead of a fact?
Adjective Alarm • Lab Report #03 • Page 2 of 2
Headline Hunters Teacher Guide Detective Briefing: Lesson 4
Headline Hunters: Spotting Media Bias
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will apply their skills to real-world news headlines, distinguishing between objective reporting and subjective/clickbait opinions.
Equipment Needed
• Headline Hunters Slides
• Daily Dispatch Worksheet
• Red and Green markers
0-10 MIN
The Hook: The Morning Paper
The Setup: Hold up a printed "fake" headline: "LOCAL MAYOR MAKES TERRIBLE DECISION ABOUT PARK" vs "MAYOR ANNOUNCES NEW PARK RULES."
The Discussion: Ask: "Which one tells me what happened? Which one tells me how the writer feels? Can we trust a reporter who uses words like 'terrible'?"
10-25 MIN
Direct Instruction: Objective vs Subjective
Introduce two types of news writing:
Objective Reporting (Green Light): Just the facts—Who, What, When, Where. No "word traps."Subjective/Editorial (Red Light): Includes feelings, opinions, or tries to make you feel a certain way. Often uses "clickbait" words.
Detective Rule: If the headline uses an adjective to tell you how to feel about the news, it's a Subjective Trap.
25-45 MIN
Guided Practice: Red Light, Green Light
Use the Headline Hunters Slides to show 5 real-world style headlines. Students hold up a Green card for Objective or a Red card for Subjective.
Example: "The Best Way to Save the Planet" (Red) vs "Scientists Release Study on Recycling" (Green).
45-60 MIN
Independent Investigation
Students complete the "Daily Dispatch" . They must categorize 8 headlines and "fix" 2 subjective headlines to make them objective reports.
Support
Use highly visual headlines with emojis that signal emotion. Focus on identifying the emotion word first.
Extension
Have students look at a real (kid-friendly) news site and find one article that is pure fact and one that is an "Opinion" piece.
Headline Hunter Worksheet The Daily Dispatch
Headline Hunter Investigation • Day 04
Issue 4.1
Junior Reporter:
Assigned Beat:
Investigation Task: Categorize each headline. If it's a "Green Light" (Pure Fact), check the box. If it's a "Red Light" (Opinion Trap), circle the word that makes it an opinion.
"Local Team Wins Championship in Boring Game"
G
R
"Scientists Discover New Species of Deep-Sea Squid"
G
R
"The Best Ice Cream Shop in Town Opens Tuesday"
G
R
"Rainfall Totals Reach 3 Inches in Metro Area"
G
R
"School Lunch Should Include More Fruit Options"
G
R
"Mayor Announces Disappointing Budget Plan for Schools"
G
R
Daily Dispatch • Issue 4.1 • Page 1 of 2
"Local High School Graduate Awarded Full Scholarship"
G
R
"The Worst Traffic Jam of the Year Lasted Four Hours"
G
R
The Editor's Desk
Subjective Headline:
"Amazing New Library Opens to Excited Students"
Your Objective Rewrite:
Subjective Headline:
"The World's Ugliest Building to be Demolished Monday"
Your Objective Rewrite:
Public Interest News Bureau • Verified News ONLY • Page 2 of 2
Training Day Review Teacher Guide Detective Briefing: Lesson 5
Training Day Review: Sorting Challenge
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will synthesize their knowledge of facts, opinions, verifiability, and word traps through a collaborative sorting challenge.
Equipment Needed
• Evidence Sorting Cards
• Large poster paper or desk space
• Glue/Tape (if making posters)
0-5 MIN
The Hook: The Disorganized Office
Tell the students: "A clumsy janitor knocked over all our evidence files! Facts are mixed with opinions, and everything is a mess. We have to organize these files before the Chief arrives for a briefing."
5-10 MIN
The Mission: Collaborative Sort
Divide students into "Detective Squads" (Groups of 3-4).
Each squad receives a set of Evidence Sorting Cards. Their task is to categorize them into three piles:
Pillar Facts: Clearly verifiable, no trap words.Opinion Traps: Look like facts but contain adjectives or bias.Pure Opinions: Pure feelings or beliefs.
10-45 MIN
The Sorting Challenge
SQUADS work together to discuss each card. They must justify their choice to their teammates.
Intervention Tip:
Circulate the room. If a group is stuck on a "Trap," ask: "Could two different people reasonably disagree on this? If yes, find the word that causes the disagreement."
45-60 MIN
Debrief: The Chief's Review
Display one "controversial" card at a time. Have different squads explain their classification. Award "Efficiency Badges" (stickers) to squads with the best justifications.
Support
Limit the number of cards to 12. Pre-highlight the "Trap Words" in the Opinion Trap category to guide their thinking.
Extension
Challenge squads to write 2 "Blank Cards" for other squads to sort—one very sneaky fact and one very sneaky opinion trap.
Evidence Sorting Cards Evidence Sorting Cards
Training Day Review • Lesson 05
Teacher Instructions: Cut out these cards for each student squad. Students must sort them into three categories: "Pillar Fact," "Opinion Trap," and "Pure Opinion."
#01
"There are seven continents on Planet Earth."
#02
"Traveling to Antarctica is the most exciting adventure."
#03
"The enormous blue whale can grow up to 100 feet long."
#04
"Yellow is a much better color for a room than purple."
#05
"Our school was built in the year 1995."
#06
"The disgusting pizza had pepperoni and mushrooms on it."
#07
"A standard basketball is orange and has black lines."
#08
"Basketball is way more difficult to play than soccer."
#09
"The freezing temperature outside is currently 22 degrees."
#10
"Everyone should eat at least one apple every single day."
#11
"The beautiful sun is setting behind the mountain."
#12
"The Pacific Ocean contains more than half of the world's open water."
#13
"An octagon has exactly eight sides and eight angles."
#14
"Summer is the only season when it is fun to go swimming."
#15
"The average temperature on Mars is minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit."
#16
"The tiny hummingbird is much more interesting than a hawk."
Sorting Card Deck • Truth Detective Agency • Internal Use Only
Fact Checking Teacher Guide Detective Briefing: Lesson 6
Fact Checking 101: Research Lab
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will practice finding proof in reliable sources (dictionaries, encyclopedias, or vetted websites) to verify factual claims.
Equipment Needed
• Research Lab Worksheet
• Access to classroom library / kid-safe search engine
0-10 MIN
The Hook: The Disputed Fact
Post a controversial "fact": "The tallest building in our town is the Water Tower." Ask: "Some people say it's the High School. How can we KNOW for sure without just guessing or asking a friend?"
10-50 MIN
The Mission: Fact-Checking Lab
Introduce the Reliability Filter :
Encyclopedias & Dictionaries: Fact-checked by experts.Government/Education Sites (.gov, .edu): Usually reliable.Blogs/Social Media: High risk of "Word Traps" and opinions.
Students work in pairs to verify 5 "Mystery Facts" on the Research Lab Worksheet using classroom resources.
50-60 MIN
Closing: The Citation Stamp
Explain that a detective is only as good as their source. Every fact must have a "Source Stamp" (citation) telling where it was found.
Research Lab Worksheet Research Lab
Truth Detective Agency • Case File #06
Verification Phase
Lead Researcher:
Lab Partner:
Protocol: Use your "Reliability Filter" to verify the following claims. For each claim, find one reliable source (Book, Encyclopedia, or .gov/.edu website) and cite it!
Mystery Claim 01
"The dwarf planet Pluto was discovered in the year 1930."
Result:
TRUEFALSE
Source:
Mystery Claim 02
"A blue whale's heart is roughly the size of a bumper car."
Result:
TRUEFALSE
Source:
Mystery Claim 03
"The Great Wall of China is the only structure visible from the moon."
Result:
TRUEFALSE
Source:
Mystery Claim 04
"A group of flamingos is officially called a 'flamboyance'."
Result:
TRUEFALSE
Source:
Mystery Claim 05
"The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece in 1896."
Result:
TRUEFALSE
Source:
Independent Find
Find one interesting fact in your research book. Cite it below!
Fact:
Source:
Source Accuracy Rating: Critical • Truth Detective Agency Lab
Opinion Power Teacher Guide Detective Briefing: Lesson 7
Opinion Power: Facts Support Feelings
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will learn how to use facts as "Evidence Pillars" to support a strong opinion in writing and debate.
Equipment Needed
• Evidence Pillars Writing Template
• Anchor Chart (Facts/Opinion)
0-10 MIN
The Hook: The Weak Bridge
Show an opinion without support: "Dogs are better than cats because they are cute." Ask: "If I'm a judge, am I convinced? No! 'Cute' is just a feeling."
Show one with support: "Dogs are more helpful than cats because they can be trained as service animals to help people who are blind." Ask: "Now am I convinced? Yes! Because there is a FACT supporting the opinion."
10-50 MIN
The Mission: Building Evidence Pillars
Introduce the Evidence Pillar Model :
Roof:
Strong Opinion Statement
Pillars (3):
Verifiable Facts that prove the roof is strong.
Students pick a topic (e.g., Recess should be longer, video games are good for learning) and find 3 factual pillars to support it.
50-60 MIN
Closing: The Verifiable Debate
Two students share their "Roof" (Opinion). The class votes not on which opinion they like better, but on who had the strongest factual pillars .
Evidence Pillars Writing Template Opinion Power
Building Evidence Pillars
Writing Dept.
Detective:
Date:
The Evidence Pillar Method
A strong opinion is like a roof—it needs solid FACT PILLARS to keep it from falling. Today, you will build your own. Your opinion must be supported by 3 verifiable facts!
The Opinion (The Roof)
State your strong belief or feeling here:
Fact Pillar 01
Fact Pillar 02
Fact Pillar 03
The Foundation
Which sources will you use to verify your pillars? (Research books, experts, or observations)
Structural Integrity Check: Passed • Truth Detective Agency • persuasive division
Ad Analysis Teacher Guide Detective Briefing: Lesson 8
Ad Analysis: Persuasion Tactics
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will deconstruct advertisements to separate verifiable product facts from persuasive opinions and emotional appeals.
Equipment Needed
• Collection of magazine or online ads
• Ad Analysis Slides
• Highlighters
0-10 MIN
The Hook: The "Best" Cereal
Show a cereal box ad that says: "The healthiest and most delicious way to start your day!" Ask: "Is this a fact? Can I prove it's the 'most delicious'? What if I hate cornflakes?"
Then find the small print: "Contains 12g of sugar per serving." Ask: "Is THIS a fact? Yes! It can be measured in a lab."
10-50 MIN
The Mission: Deconstructing the Sale
Introduce the Ad Deconstruction Checklist :
Identify the Fact: What is actually in the product? (Price, ingredients, size).Identify the Opinion: What does the ad want me to feel? (Happy, cool, popular).Spot the Traps: Look for words like "Amazing," "Perfect," or "Must-have."
Students work in pairs with real ads, circling facts in green and opinions/traps in red.
50-60 MIN
Closing: The Smart Consumer
Explain that companies use opinions to make you buy things, but smart detectives use facts to decide if they really need them.
Ad Detective Log Worksheet Ad Detective Log
Persuasion Analysis • Case File #08
Persuasion Alert
Consumer Detective:
Date:
Mission: Analyze your assigned advertisement. Separate the hard facts from the persuasive opinions and emotional traps!
1. The Product Description
What is being sold? Describe the product using ONLY facts (size, color, price).
2. The Hard Evidence
List 2-3 VERIFIABLE FACTS from the ad.
3. The Persuasion Traps
List 2-3 OPINIONS or TRAP WORDS used in the ad.
4. Emotional Appeal
How does the ad want you to FEEL? (e.g., cool, smart, hungry). What "clue" makes you think that?
5. The Verdict
"Based on the FACTS alone, is this a product worth buying? Why or why not?"
Marketing Integrity Unit • Truth Detective Agency • Buyer Beware
Final Investigation Assessment Worksheet The Final Case File
Cumulative Unit Assessment • Day 09
Classified
Lead Detective:
Badge #:
Phase 1: Evidence Classification
Circle the correct classification for each statement.
1. "The movie lasts for 120 minutes."
FACT OPINION
2. "This is the most exciting movie of the year!"
FACT OPINION
3. "A delicious breakfast will help you think better."
FACT OPINION
4. "Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system."
FACT OPINION
5. "Everyone should visit the beach during summer vacation."
FACT OPINION
Phase 2: Word Trap Scan
Read the headlines below. Circle the "Word Traps" and rewrite each as a PURE FACT.
A. "Ugly New Building Blocked by Heroic Neighbors"
B. "The School's Boring Field Trip Lasted Five Hours"
C. "Amazing New Rollercoaster Reaches Speeds of 70 MPH"
Final Case File • Page 1 of 2
Phase 3: The Verification Method
Explain how you would verify each statement. Name the tool (Observation, Records, or Experts) and the specific source you would use.
Case #1: "The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth."
Verification Plan:
Case #2: "The classroom temperature is exactly 72 degrees."
Verification Plan:
Case #3: "The flu is caused by a virus, not a cold wind."
Verification Plan:
Phase 4: Senior Detective Bonus
Support the following opinion with one solid FACT PILLAR.
"Eating breakfast is the most important part of the day."
Supporting Fact Pillar:
Final Case File • Authorization: Level 4 • Page 2 of 2
Final Investigation Teacher Guide Answer Key Detective Briefing: Lesson 9
The Final Case: Master Answer Key
Unit: Truth Detectives
Phase 1: Classification (1pt each)
1. "120 minutes" — FACT
2. "Most exciting movie" — OPINION
3. "Delicious breakfast / help think better" — OPINION
4. "Saturn second largest" — FACT
5. "Everyone should visit" — OPINION
Phase 2: Word Trap Scan (2pts each)
A. Ugly/Heroic: Traps are Ugly and Heroic.
Rewrite: "New building construction was stopped by neighbors."
B. Boring: Trap is Boring.
Rewrite: "The school field trip lasted five hours."
C. Amazing: Trap is Amazing.
Rewrite: "The new rollercoaster reaches speeds of 70 MPH."
Phase 3: Verification (3pts each)
Case #1 (Pacific Ocean):
Tool: Records/Research. Source: Atlas, Map, or Encyclopedia.
Case #2 (Classroom Temp):
Tool: Observation. Source: Thermometer.
Case #3 (Flu/Virus):
Tool: Experts. Source: Doctor, Medical Textbook, or CDC website.
Phase 4: Senior Detective Bonus (5pts)
Criteria: Must provide a verifiable fact, not just another opinion.
Clearance Levels:
Lead Detective: 22-30 pts
Junior Detective: 15-21 pts
Recruit: 0-14 pts
Detective Graduation Certificate Certificate of Training
Truth Detective Agency
This official certification is awarded to
Junior Detective Name
For successfully completing the Department of Verifiable Evidence training program and demonstrating mastery in spotting word traps, verifying facts, and neutralizing media bias.
Chief of Evidence Investigation
Date of Commission
Official Seal of Truth • Non-Subjective Approval • Area 4-A
Case Closed Teacher Guide Ceremony Protocol Detective Briefing: Lesson 10
Case Closed: Graduation & Reflection
Unit: Truth Detectives
Learning Objective
Detectives will reflect on their learning journey and celebrate their official commissioning into the Truth Detective Agency.
Equipment Needed
• Graduation Certificates
• Reflection Log Sheet
• Detective 'Badges' or Stickers
0-10 MIN
The Hook: The Final Debrief
Gather the class in a circle. Tell them: "Detectives, the results are in. Our agency has successfully neutralized dozens of word traps and verified hundreds of facts over the last two weeks. But before you get your badge, there's one last task: Reflection."
10-30 MIN
Individual Reflection
Students complete the Detective Reflection Log . This is not a test, but a way for them to think about how their "eyes for truth" have changed.
30-60 MIN
The Commissioning Ceremony
Play some formal or "detective-themed" music. Call each student forward one by one.
The Oath of Objectivity:
"I, [Name], promise to search for proof,
Present the Graduation Certificate and shake their hand. If possible, take a "Detective ID" photo for the classroom wall.
Detective Reflection Sheet Log Reflection Log
Truth Detective Agency • Case File #10
Case Closed
Detective:
Final Badge #:
1. Biggest Discovery
What is the most important thing you learned about the difference between a FACT and an OPINION?
2. My Weakest Spot
Which "Word Trap" was the hardest for you to spot? Why do you think it was so sneaky?
3. The New Lens
How will you look at news headlines or advertisements differently now that you are a Truth Detective?
Objectivity Rating
How confident are you in your ability to "Verify Before You Believe"? Circle one!
Recruit
Junior
Lead
Reflection complete • Case permanently closed • Truth Detective Agency
