I have certain lessons that fall under the category of "History Mysteries." I like them because I can honestly tell my students that there is no right answer and it is up to them to determine what they believe and support it with evidence.
One of the mysteries that I have turned into a two day lesson is on Sacco & Vanzetti. The information for this lesson came from UMKC School of Law Famous Trials page. I took information from many of the pages and turned it into a case for my students to solve.
First students enter my classroom and see caution tape, a chalk outline of a body and evidence markers. Next I show them a video I made in the style of Law & Order. I call it Law & Order: History Revisited. Once introduced to the case, I pass out "FBI Folders" that I made. These include biographies on individuals associated with the case, maps, evidence, information on the investigation and more.
Over the course of two days, my students work as a team to find evidence to determine whether Sacco and Vanzetti were in fact guilty or not guilty. Then they have a discussion and ultimately render a verdict.
Another mystery involves the sinking of the USS Maine. Students discuss all the theories of what happened. This year I acquired, at a library auction, a textbook on the history of Cuba that was published in 1898. I cannot wait to use the last chapter on the USS Maine as a primary source.
I enjoy turning lessons into mysteries for students to solve, rather than a lecture or a reading. My students respond well to these lessons and are using collaboration, communication and critical thinking.
