Evaluating Information

The purpose of this game is twofold: (1) learn how to evaluate information that is online. (2) Solve the "murder" of Mrs. Krohne.

Use the SIFT method to help find clues.

🛑 Stop

Before reacting emotionally, pause and take a breath. Recognize when a headline or post is designed to trigger outrage or panic.

🔎 Investigate the Source

Don't merely rely on the "About Us" page. Open a new tab and Google the source's name plus words like "bias," "funding," or "reputation."

📰 Find Better Coverage

If a major claim is only being reported by one low-reputation source, it's likely false. Search for the claim on at least two unrelated, reputable news organizations.

🖼️ Trace Claims, Quotes, & Media

Don't assume context. Trace quotes, images (reverse search), and data back to their original document to ensure they haven't been edited or taken out of context.

Incident Briefing

On Tuesday morning March 10th, 2026, the body of Librarian Mrs. Krohne was discovered in the Library MakerLab. She sustained a severe concussive blow to the head consistent with hitting a metal shelf, and a fatal puncture wound from scissors she was holding, which she fell upon.

Read LA Times Article  Dated March 11th, 2026

Read San Bernardino Sun Article  Dated March 17th, 2026

The primary suspects all had recent, intense conflicts with Mrs. Krohne:

• Mr. Stewart (English Teacher)

• Mrs. Ford (Math Teacher)

• Mr. Zamanis (Mock Trial Coach & English Teacher)

• Ms. Ray (Yearbook Advisor & English Teacher)

Working with the Evidence

One person in your group  click on this link to make a copy of the SIFT Evidence Chart and type all your group's names at the top and Share the document with all group members.. Your group will be filling out this evidence log as a group for each item of evidence you analyze.  YOU SHOULD DIVIDE UP YOUR EVEDENCE BETWEEN GROUP MEMBERS. You only have 2 days to go through the evidence. At the end of the second day the answer will be revealed. 

You will find the evidence on Evidence Boards around the library. You may access evidence either electronically (by following the QR codes) or by picking up evidence handouts at the Evidence Board Stations. There are 4 evedence boards. Each board shows the connections between Mrs. Krohne and the suspects. There are 3 items of evidence you will need to collect as well as a Suspect Statement from that individual. Look the boards over very carefully. 

Filling out the SIFT Evidence chart

Click on this link to see an evidence sample. Then look over the sample SIFT Evidence form table below to see how to fill out the worksheet with your group. After you have shared all the evidence with your group there is a box at the end of the worksheet that asks you to come to your verdict: Who killed Mrs. Krohne, and why (based on the evidence) do you think this person killed her.