Missing Masterpieces

Process

Your Assignment

First, you will be assigned to an investigative team of three students, who will each play a role in solving the crime. Each of you will select one of the three characters described below and your team will complete specific tasks that relate to your investigative knowledge and expertise.

The Investigative Team

Master Detective

You are the chief of the investigative team. There has never been a case of arts theft that you were unable to solve. In fact, you are considered one of the world's smartest sleuths. Note: You fly in from Brussels, Belgium.

Your first task is to find the name of each museum where Arti has hidden paintings. Your clues will be in his portfolio notes. Hint: Two of the Museums do not have any of the missing paintings. Arti is clever, so be careful! Your next task is to make copies of the maps and floor plans of each museum.

World Travel Coordinator

You are an expert travel expert who has a flair for finding the best and most efficient routes between cities. You enjoy history and social studies. The combination of these talents make you an important member of the investigative team. Note: You fly in from San Francisco, California.

You first task is to plan the travel routes to each museum. Remember, everyone will be traveling together as a team. Your next task is to print copies of maps (from National Geographic) of the countries you will visit so you can chart the distance traveled. Your final task is to calculate those distances, in both miles and kilometers. Hint: A world atlas may be helpful to calculate your mileage.


Art Historian

You are considered an authority on painting styles and artists. You are well-known for your ability to recognize famous paintings and know who painted them! Your knowledge of painting styles and artists makes you an essential member of the investigative team. Note: You fly in from Paris, France.

Your first task is to read Arti's portfolio notes, and verify the names of each stolen painting and the artists who painted them. Next, you must verify painting style of each stolen work. Hint: Use the art history information in Arti's portfolio. Your last task is to work with the investigative team to find each art collection, gallery, or museum where the stolen paintings have been hidden.

Investigative Team Tasks

  1. After selecting which role you will each play, each member of team should review the list of the ten missing paintings, which are found in Arti's portfolio. Click on the portfolio link below for the list!
  2. Review and thoroughly read the evaluation rubric, which will explain how each member of your team will be graded.
  3. Go ahead and find your copy of the portfolio notes, which is located at the end of this page. Print or read copies of Arti's portfolio notes.
  4. Each member has specific duties to perform in order to complete the investigation. The special investigation forms will assist everyone in the identification of the painting style, the artist's name, and what each painting looks like. Now is a good time to find your copy of the investigation report form, which is located at the end of this page.
  5. You will each make copies of the forms that must be completed by the team. Each member of the team will hand in their forms at the end of the investigation.
  6. Next, the team should read and discuss the information in Arti's portfolio and use it to find clues that will help solve the crime. This portion of the investigation should be done as a team.
  7. Now is a great time to make the copies of the maps that represent the countries you will visit, so they can be used to track and record the distances traveled visiting each museum. The World Travel Coordinator should complete this task.
  8. The maps and floor plans of each museum you will visit should be printed at this time. The Master Detective should complete this task. Be prepared, as this task may take awhile.
  9. After locating the maps and floor plans of each of the museums where the paintings are hidden, the travel coordinator will plan a travel route to the museums. The travel coordinator should use the suggestions in his/her task description, so your team can return the paintings efficiently and quickly!
  10. Now your investigative team will begin taking the virtual-tours of each museum in order to hunt for the missing works of art and complete the investigation. Use all of the clues in Arti's notes because they will assist you in the investigation. You may want to keep a record of your team's notes too!
  11. After each painting has been found, you will remove the painting from the museum by making a copy of it and placing it in your PowerPoint portfolio.
  12. Your investigative reports must be verified by each team member and should be submitted by your deadline. Sign each form with your initials for proof of verification. A full explanation of what information you will need to discover and use for the investigation is printed on each form.
  13. Carry all of ten paintings back to Ms. Alexandra Hightower (i.e. your teacher) in the PowerPoint portfolio, which you should have already opened and named as a file on the computer. Present your portfolio to your teacher with the completed forms.

Click here for a copy of your Investigative Report Form

Click here to view a copy of Arti S. Tolen's Portfolio

Click here to get your Travel Distance Form