As a logically inclined individual with a penchant for mysteries, I love this type of group activity.
First, you need to download the 24 short puzzle clues (see the Resources tab) and then print and cut them into small slips of paper. For example, this is what is written on one of the clues:
Margaret Charity, a teller at the bank, discovered the robbery.
When ready, assemble your group and invite them to sit in a position (preferably a circle) that will not only be comfortable (because they will be busy for 20+ minutes) but offer a little bit of space between others. This last qualifier is to prevent folks from seeing what others are about to be given.
Hand out one slip of paper (set of clues) to each person. Announce that everyone has a unique set of information or clues and that as a group, it has all of the information it needs to solve the problem.
Importantly, instruct each person that they are not permitted to show what is written on their paper to anyone else. They are entitled to read it aloud to the group, but they can never show, display or write what is written to others at any time.
As detectives, challenge your group to discover who committed the bank robbery and to determine the alibis for all of the other people being investigated, ie where were they when the robbery actually occurred.
As with all group initiatives, you should set a timeframe that will challenge your group. For reference, when I present this to teenagers, I typically allow 20 to 30 minutes for my group to solve the puzzle.
Remind your group that the solution is found within the clues. Manage any questions that will inevitably arise, before relinquishing control to the group.
Perhaps armed with pen and paper, your group truly has everything it needs to solve the puzzle.
From this point forward, your primary role is to watch and listen. Make notes about the group’s organisation, how they worked together, assumptions, stumbling blocks and communication styles, etc.
As soon as a solution has been offered, or the time expires, look for opportunities to invite your group to reflect on a whole range of group dynamics including leadership, communication and decision-making processes. Check out the Reflection Tips tab for starting points.
Note: the solution is described at the end of the document which contains the clues (see Resources tab.)
Logic or deduction style mysteries will always attract some people and repel others in a group, ie some will claim that they are no good at these types of problems and quickly get frustrated. Remind them that this is a group problem, and every person has a valuable piece of information to contribute, so remain engaged as long as they can.
If you have less than 24 people in your group, simply supply two or more clues to each person.
If you have more than 24 people in your group, choose to distribute a single clue to partners, or better still, create multiple small groups of 12 people solving the same problem. In this latter case, you may need to physically locate each group away from others.
It is noted that pen and paper are optional, but in truth, many groups often prefer to use these resources to help them visually solve the logic.
Remember, the secrecy parameters of this mystery mean that group members can verbally share their clue’s information with others but they cannot collect the clues or visually display them to one another, ie this precludes writing it on a whiteboard for all to see.
You could integrate Bank Robbery as part of a well-designed SEL program to help your group understand the perspectives of and empathise with others including those from diverse backgrounds.
Specifically, this activity offers opportunities to explore and practice the following social & interpersonal skills:
Self-Awareness
- Identifying Personal, Cultural & Linguistic Assets
- Recognising Strengths, Prejudices & Biases
- Demonstrating Self-Confidence, Honesty & Integrity
Self-Management
- Demonstrating Self-Discipline & Self-Motivation
- Setting Personal & Group Goals
- Taking Initiative
- Use Planning & Organisational Skills
Social Awareness
- Taking Other’s Perspectives
- Appreciating Diversity
- Recognising Strengths In Others
- Respecting Others
Relationship Skills
- Communicate & Listen Effectively
- Seeking and/or Offering Support
- Build Positive Relationships
- Work Collaboratively
- Showing Leadership
- Resolving Conflict Constructively
Responsible Decision-Making
- Demonstrating Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
- Identifying Problems
- Making Reasoned Judgements
- Identifying Solutions
You can learn more about SEL and how it can support character education here.
You have just learned that a local bank in New York City has been robbed of one million dollars. Your group is the detective team that is investigating the robbery and attempting to identify the thief or thieves. Each of the slips of paper I’m holding contains a clue about what happened. If you put all the facts together, you’ll solve the mystery. There are a few rules to follow so the investigation is not compromised…
if you love problem-solving puzzles or deductive-reasoning challenges, then you are going to love this next group task…
You know those lateral thinking exercises that appear to give so little information, but you are told you have everything you need to solve it? Well, that is exactly what I have in store for you now…
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Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?