A Christmas Crisis
An engaging cross-curricular investigation by 5th and 6th Class pupils at Scoil Mhuire Naofa
As Christmas approached and the festive spirit began to spread around Carrigallen, a serious crisis emerged at Scoil Mhuire Naofa.
The 5th & 6th pupils had been working very hard on Accelerated Reading and were promised a treat by Ms Brennan and Ms Bohan. When they arrived at school on Friday, December 12th, they discovered that the boxes of Heroes had been STOLEN.
The newly refurbished General Purpose Room was immediately cordoned off and declared an active crime scene. Crime Scene Tape was placed over all the doors to preserve the scene. Chief Forensic Scientist (Louise Gallagher) was called in to assist with the investigation. The pupils immediately switched from pupil mode to investigator mode. Maths books were swapped for microscopes; spellings became sleuth techniques and Religion was put on hold to facilitate reasoning, reconnaissance and recording.
It was quickly established that there were three chief suspects: Mr Kelly, Ms Dockery and Ms McCaffrey. Their mugshots were displayed on the large screen as the investigation began. The curious case of the Christmas Crisis was afoot.
Clue #1: A piece of fabric was found at the scene. It was carefully placed under the microscope and examined. Great care was taken by the investigators to preserve the integrity of the evidence. The guilty party would not be getting off on a technicality with the Carrigallen Crimebusters on the case.
Clue #2: A white powder was discovered at the scene. A sample of the powder was expertly taken and analysed immediately at the scene. A heinous crime and time was of the essence. Vinegar was added to the unknown powder and there was a fizzy reaction, which pointed to two of the suspects. The mystery deepened.
Clue #3: An unknown liquid was found in a cup on the teacher’s table. The investigators sprang into action and tested the liquid using the pH scale. The pupils’ knowledge of acids, alkalis, and neutral substances was tested to the maximum. Their results showed that all three suspects produced an acidic reaction; however, the net was closing on the real culprit as one pH level was 3 and the other two was pH level 5.
Clue #4: A partial footprint was found near the location where the sweets had been taken. The shoe print was measured in length and width and then compared with the shoe sizes of the three suspects. The criminal mastermind’s shoe measured 20 cm in length and 7 cm in width.
Clue #5: Marker chromatography was used to analyse marker ink found at the scene. The ink was observed and recorded, then compared and contrasted with samples from the suspects. At this stage, a clear picture was emerging of who the guilty party might be. However, the investigators wanted a full book of evidence to present to the courts.
Clue #6: Another suspicious liquid was located at the scene. Once again, the investigating team analysed the substance with great care. When a phenolphthalein test was carried out with water and samples from the three suspects, the following results were recorded:
- Evidence: Stayed clear
- Mr Kelly: Stayed clear
- Ms Dockery: Turned pink
- Ms McCaffrey: Turned purple
With all the evidence now at their disposal, it was expertly concluded that the thief was in fact … MR KELLY.
While there was shock amongst the pupils, some were not surprised. Pupils were willing to speak about their suspicions but asked to remain anonymous for fear of being placed on detention or given extra homework. If he was willing to take their sweets who knows how far he was willing to go.
Pupil A stated, “I knew it was him. Ms Dockery or Ms McCaffrey would never take the sweets. They are too nice.”
Pupil B stated, “It had to be him. Look at his mugshot sure.”
Pupil C stated, “I always suspected him. I mean he sits in his office all day just watching the cameras. He probably was bored and took them to have with his coffee.”
Pupil D stated, “Once the investigation began, I knew Mr Kelly did not stand a chance. You cannot hide from the chromatography.”
The pupils sprang into action and carried out a preplanned raid on Mr Kelly’s office. The exits were all blocked off so he could not escape. One pupil remarked that he had been in an Air Walker orthopaedic boot and using crutches recently, so escape was highly unlikely.
When confronted, Mr Kelly was hostile and denied all allegations. He was placed in custody at the back of the G.P. Room, where he was overheard saying, “Do you not know who I am? I am the principal of the school and you will all be suspended. I am a member of the Board of Management. I know the Chairperson personally; they are a friend of mine.”
The 5th class sweets were found hidden in one of Mr Kelly’s filing cabinets. The 6th class sweets were located in his shredder bin. When presented with the evidence and the sweets, Mr Kelly’s tone changed from that of hostility to dismay.
A file has now been prepared for the Board of Management and the DPP.
The pupils’ excellent investigate skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and application of scientific and mathematical knowledge, was highly commended by Louise Gallagher (Chief Forensic Scientist).
She stated, “This has to be one of the most thorough and efficient investigations in the history of the State. Mr Kelly was never going to get away with his Grinch like actions.”
