Historical mysteries

Explorer of the Millennium
Which explorer will be named Explorer of the Millennium?  Which one did the most?  Went the furthest?  Online voting is underway and in three days’ time the winner of the contest will be announced.  Competition has been fierce with rumors running rampant and harsh words exchanged.  Unofficial sources put Columbus in the lead, possibly because he is the best known, but when he nearly dies at a press party, the other top contenders are suspect.  Can you figure out Whodunit?
Students research one of ten or more explorers before the activity and come prepared to role play one of them.  Essential characters include: Neil Armstrong, Juan Ponce de Leon, Charles Darwin, Nellie Bly, Helen Thayer, Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova, Sacagawea, Lady Hester Lucy Stanhope, Robert La Salle and Jacques-Yves Cousteau.  Additional explorers should be assigned by the adult leader.
 
All mysteries include pre/post activity packs to prepare students and provide enrichment and extension activities.  Click on the links below for specifics about each mystery.