Description
A sealed blue barrel. A lakeside vineyard. A man with no name—until a tattoo reveals the truth.
The Blue Barrel is the sixth installment in our forensic mystery series designed for high school students. This case engages learners through realistic investigation, layered evidence, and open-ended analysis. Students take on the role of detectives to solve the suspicious death of Charles Vega, a man whose quiet life hid deeper secrets—and whose death raises more questions than answers.
What Students Will Do
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Analyze testimony, physical evidence, and financial records
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Infer motive and opportunity from subtle behavioral patterns
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Write analytical responses and a formal detective report
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Engage in ethical discussion about crime and justice
What’s Included
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Full narrative Case Overview
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8 Witness Testimonies
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8 Physical & Surveillance Evidence entries
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10 Analysis Questions
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Bonus: Detective Report (Evidence-Based Writing)
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Vocabulary List (Forensic Terms)
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Discussion Prompt
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Teacher Guide and Answer Key
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Confidential Case Background Summary (for teacher use only)
Subject Area
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English Language Arts
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Forensic Science
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Critical Thinking
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Criminal Justice
Standards Alignment
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RI.9-10.1
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RI.9-10.3
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RI.9-10.8
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W.9-10.1
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W.9-10.9
Content Note for Teachers
This resource includes references to murder, isolation, financial crime, and body disposal. While appropriate for grades 9–10, we recommend that teachers preview the material before assigning.
Conclusion
The Blue Barrel gives students more than just a mystery—it offers the opportunity to think critically, evaluate real-world-style evidence, and construct persuasive, supported claims. This is meaningful, immersive learning built for the modern classroom.
