Michigan Mystery Connections, where students take turns asking yes or no questions to determine the location of another school in Michigan. Using an internet-connected laptop or Chromebook, a web camera, a projector, and a Jabra speaker, classes connect live via Zoom or Google Meet. This kit is designed to teach map skills and collaboration while engaging students through virtual connections.
Web camera, dry erase markers, maps and Jabra microphone.
A Michigan Mystery Connection is a live video conference between two classrooms in Michigan. The classroom students in each school are unaware of the location of the other school. Two classrooms take turns asking yes or no questions to determine location. Check out the information below for further details.
A Michigan Mystery Connection is not a competition to see who finds the other classroom first. Teachers and students should use ethical and investigative methods to find the other school. The goal is to learn and meet another classroom. Please do not use the teacher's name if known or other easily identifiable means to search for the school.
The target audience is third grade and any other elementary classrooms studying Michigan. The connection itself lasts around 45 minutes.
Participating students will be taking turns asking questions of the other classroom to determine where in Michigan they are located. At the same time they will be answering questions asked of their class. Check out our "Day Of" resources on the next page for greater details.
What equipment is needed for the connection?
An internet connected laptop or computer displayed to the class via projector and able to video conference via Zoom or Google Meet (with a working camera and microphone) is all that is required. Some classrooms have found an external microphone for the class to be helpful. These items are available for checkout from your local REMC.
What is the Cost to participate?
There is no cost for this video conference. The R.E.M.C. Mystery Connection Project is funded by the R.E.M.C. Association of Michigan and is comprised of R.E.M.C. Directors and Regional Instructional Technology Members from across the state. Our goal is to provide an opportunity to connect with another classroom around a shared learning experience.
How much time do I need for a connection?
The connection itself will last around 45 minutes. Prepping your students beforehand using the resources found on subsequent pages of this site will also ensure a meaningful connection.