Spy: Going Undercover. A Problem Solving, Critical Thinking Spy Simulation!

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking come alive in this engaging espionage simulation! This simulation models real-world problem solving and critical thinking through the eyes and actions of spies.

Why Spy?

Covert operations. Dead drops. Secret messages. Clandestine missions. Undercover agents. Is the principal really a principal or is she perhaps, part of a spy ring? Turn your classroom and school into a world of mystery and intrigue. When students participate in SPY Going Undercover they have the opportunity to practice their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a simulation that requires them to take on the roles of spies, performing secret missions and encoding and decoding secret messages.

Want to get your students excited about learning? It doesn't get better than this unforgettable classroom experience! Espionage is all about problem-solving. For example, consider a spy who has been tasked with preventing another country from gaining information that threatens our national security. He has just been given a problem to solve.

Unit Overview

This unit provides students with a four-step process for solving problems and gives them an understanding of how problem-solving exists in the world of espionage. Students will apply what they have learned by participating in an espionage simulation. In this simulation students, working as spies for their country will use their problem solving and critical thinking skills in covert missions in order to successfully complete a secret operation. This unit is divided into three parts as described below.

Part 1. The Problem Solving Process

This section describes the problem-solving process in four steps. It gives students the opportunity to solve a problem that they are currently facing. In addition, an explanation of how problem-solving may be applied to espionage is included. These problem-solving skills will be put to the test when students complete their spy operation/simulation. Teacher and student note sheets are included.

Part 2. Operation: I.SPY Simulation

In this simulation, students will become spies working with other agents for a given nation. Using critical thinking and problem-solving skills the students will crack a series of codes and complete covert missions throughout the school to find the location of confidential information vital to “national security”. Included in this simulation are detailed teacher instructions, sample worksheets, and templates for creating a spy simulation unique for your school. Sample clandestine missions are provided as well as mission logs and student worksheets.

As written, the simulation takes approximately 25 class periods. However, it may be altered to be completed in a shorter or longer time frame. Teachers may easily tailor this simulation to best meet their classroom needs. (Note: this time frame allows for students to spend part of the class period working on their independent study project.)

NOTE: In order to successfully participate in this simulation, students must understand how to encode and decode secret messages as taught in the resource Spy: Codes and Ciphers and Critical Thinking Students LOVE communicating using secret codes and ciphers. Encoding and decoding secret messages requires the use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In Spy: Codes and Ciphers and Critical Thinking, students encode and decode secret messages requiring them to follow multi-step directions.

Part 3. Independent Study/Enrichment

As an extension of this unit, students may participate in an independent or small group study. This would be perfect to schedule in conjunction with the simulation. Work on the missions for the simulation will not always take the entire class period so students can supplement their work with an independent study of a topic of their choice. Possible topics are listed in this section. Assignment guidelines are included.

Additional Espionage Studies

Other units of study that are available at KJS Creative Curriculum include:

*Spy: Codes and Ciphers and Critical Thinking: A Supplemental Teaching Tool. Teaching these codes just got a whole lot easier with this animated supplemental PowerPoint presentation that is meant to be used in conjunction with Spy: Codes and Ciphers and Critical Thinking to teach the codes and ciphers. This PowerPoint presentation makes teaching the codes and ciphers as easy as a click! The explanations of the codes are animated so students can see a step by step sequence for using each code. Simply click and advance through the slides while students follow along and practice on their own note sheets.

*Spy: Secret Lives of Spies.

In this high-interest resource, students learn to talk like spies, study the motives and types of spies as well as research specific spies that have been active throughout the years. In addition, students will explore how cause and effect relate to the problem-solving process. Students will practice applying the process to everyday problems they might have as well as studying how cause and effect were present in the lives of various spies.

*The Dangerously Deceitful Double Agent: A Breakout Box Adventure

Want to give your students a fun and exciting way to test their decoding skills? Do your students love breakout box adventures? Then this is the perfect resource for you. Students decode a variety of encoded secret messages and clues to determine the identity of a double agent, all while tracking an international crime ring, The Syndicate, through Europe!

These super fun, high interest, fully engaging units all complement one another. You can choose to do one or all of them. Your students will thank you and you will find yourself enjoying it as much as your students!

Save by bundling several Spy: products! With 5 different bundles to choose from you are sure to find one that works perfectly for you. Click here to choose your favorite combination of products.

If you have any questions concerning this product before or after you purchase it please don't hesitate to contact me at KJSCreativeCurriculum@yahoo.com.

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Go ahead, get your spy on!

Karen

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