Solving a mystery as a junior detective can be a lot of fun. Look around and find a miniature mystery to investigate, whether it's a lost item or some other mini-problem. Then arm yourself with all the investigative paraphernalia and test your detective skills. When everything is ready, you will already be well on your way to finding the answers to the mysteries and maybe even solving the case!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Get the Investigation Equipment
Step 1. Put together the necessary investigative equipment
To begin with, you need to prepare a little detective kit. It must include the following items:
- A notebook
- A pencil or pen
- A magnifying glass
- A pair of gloves
- A flashlight (perhaps ultraviolet)
- A camera (optional)
- Adhesive tape to delimit dangerous areas or areas where access is prohibited (optional)
- Snacks
- Plastic bags to put the clues in
- A mobile phone case (optional)
Step 2. Choose your detective outfit
Dark clothes are ideal, because they allow you to go unnoticed, unless, of course, you are headed to a place full of white or light. In this case, choose light-colored clothing to blend in better. You're not so much trying to hide as you are trying to "blend into the crowd", so your best bet is to dress like the locals. If, for example, you go to investigate a place where you dance, dress to go dancing. If you go to the beach, put on your bathing suit.
Part 2 of 4: Working on Your Investigation Skills
Step 1. Learn to be stealthy
Being a detective involves stalking, spying and actions to keep an eye on the main suspect! Practice tiptoeing through the hallways without making the slightest noise. Just a creak and they discover you!
Step 2. Learn to be smart
Notice the things that others miss. Read Sherlock Holmes and other detective stories to get an idea of how the most famous detectives in reality and literature catch clues that others miss.
Step 3. Create a fictitious identity
It's an optional step, but it makes your amateur detective activities more fun. Remember to give everyone the same name, otherwise you risk getting confused and caught.
Step 4. Find assistants with specific skills
- If you have a dog, you can turn him into your police dog! You can have a lot of fun, even better if you train it, so it becomes even more realistic.
- Think how nice it would be to have a friend as a partner and colleague! The fun would be guaranteed and you would work together, reducing the risks involved.
Step 5. Ask the people involved as many questions as you can about the clues
Being curious is key to finding lots of clues and solving the case.
Part 3 of 4: Identify a Case to Solve
Step 1. Identify a case that does not involve danger
The mystery can be about anything: finding out where the socks went or finding the neighbor's missing cat.
Step 2. Visit the place of origin of the mystery (aka the crime scene)
But make sure it's not a real crime, because the police will never accept an amateur going around asking questions, hindering the investigators' work. Collect some clues and write them down in your notebook. If that's the case, take some pictures.
Part 4 of 4: Getting to the Case Solution
Step 1. Look for clues, obvious and less obvious
Think about it for a while. Maybe you can come up with hypotheses. If possible, write them down. You never know when they might come in handy.
Step 2. Think of the collected clues as pieces of a puzzle that you can try to piece together in your spare time
Step 3. Think about it a little longer and rule out some of the assumptions you made earlier that turned out to be unfounded
Step 4. Involve friends and family by asking them to help you formulate other hypotheses
They may come up with a scenario that you would never have dreamed of.
Step 5. Ask as many questions as possible and answer if others ask you
Curiosity can help you solve the case, making your job easier.
Step 6. Go back to the crime scene and investigate any clues you may have missed
If you find any, put it together with the other evidence and draw conclusions.
Step 7. Interview everyone who may be aware of something
Step 8. Proceed by repeating the steps listed and you will eventually solve the case
Step 9. Have fun
The great thing about being a detective kid is having a lot of fun, right?
Advice
If you feel like you're groping in the dark, try reviewing all the clues identified so far - they may lead you to even more clues
Warnings
- Strictly inform your parents of all your movements: when you leave, where you are going and when you think you are back.
- If any of the people involved in the mystery are being violent and / or seem out of their mind, stay away and look elsewhere for another case to investigate. Don't get involved in anything dangerous, criminal, or life-threatening. It is just a game: there must be nothing serious at stake.
- If you find any clues outside your house, even just in the back garden, wash your hands thoroughly before touching them.
