Unit 5

What Are the Traits of a Good Mystery?

Reader's Notebook

The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle

Click each coloured row for information about the activity.


Before you start to read the story, look back to your chart from the Reader’s Notebook: It’s a Mystery, Unit Opener from the introduction to this unit.


  1. Take a look at the column where you listed real-life mysteries you have read or heard about. The story of the Bermuda Triangle is an example of a real-life mystery. If you don't already have the Bermuda Triangle listed in that column, add it now.
  2. Look at the map on page 64 of your Literacy in Action 5B book. It shows a diagram of where the Bermuda Triangle is located. Where do you live in relation to the Bermuda Triangle?
  3. Look at the second picture on the bottom of page 64 - the one that shows the magazine cover. This picture gives you an idea about what people thought was happening in the Bermuda Triangle.
  4. Finally, answer the question in the Before Reading section on the Reader’s Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle page.

Remember to answer the questions for your Reader's Notebook page in at least one complete sentence.




Document: Reader’s Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
Click here to download

Download PDF


  1. Download the document Reader’s Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.
  2. IMPORTANT NOTE: When the download screen opens:
      • Click the "Open with" button.
      • Select "Adobe Reader".
      • Click "OK".
      • You will then be able to view the document Reader’s Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.

  3. Print the document.

As you are reading or listening to this story, remember to pause and check your understanding. If you don't understand one part of the story, try going back and reading it again and saying it in your own words.


  1. Read the first two sections of the story (What Is the Bermuda Triangle? and The Start of a Legend). Answer questions 1 to 3 in this section on the Reader's Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle page.
  2. Read the next section of the story, Lost and Abandoned Ships. Answer the question in this section on the Reader's Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle page.
  3. Read the next section of the story, Lost and Unusual Flights. Answer the question in this section on the Readers Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle page.
  4. Read the last two sections of the story (Looking for Answers and An Ongoing Legend). Answer the question in this section on the Readers Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle page.

Save

How to save a file:

  1. Scan the document to your computer.
  2. Have the file open and select Save As from the File menu.
  3. Name your Reader's Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle file in this format: jsmith_rnbermudatriangle and save the file to your Documents folder.

After you have finished the Reader's Notebook: The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, think about the following question:


  • What other solutions could there be to the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle?

Websites

Websites

If you are interested in finding out more about the Bermuda Triangle and its mysteries, you can look on the following websites:

Compare your responses with those in the Key by clicking here.