The Mystery of the Sunshine Hummer - Resolution (Grade 6)

What was the final discovery that solved the mystery of the humming sound?

• A small, solar-powered invention in a box

• Old, humming water pipes in the wall

• A forgotten robotics kit that turned on by itself

• A ghost that lived in the supply closet

Answer explanation

The passage states that inside the box, 'a tiny motor was vibrating, attached to a small, glassy square. It was a simple solar panel.' This discovery solved the mystery.

How does Malia's feeling change from the beginning of the story to the resolution at the end?

• She goes from being curious to being disappointed.

• She goes from being curious and determined to feeling a happy connection.

• She goes from being scared to being angry at Mr. Crosby.

• She goes from being bored to being frightened by the noise.

Answer explanation

At the start, Malia is determined to solve the mystery. The last sentence says, 'Malia smiled, feeling a sense of connection to the inventive student from long ago,' showing her feeling at the resolution.

What was Shaun's first theory about the humming sound?

• That it was an old invention.

• That it was just the old pipes.

• That it was a lost animal.

• That Malia was imagining it.

Answer explanation

In the first paragraph, after Malia points out the sound, Shaun says, 'It's probably just the old pipes.'

According to the note, who created the 'Sunshine Hummer'?

• Malia

• Mr. Crosby

• Zadie

• Shaun

Answer explanation

The passage directly quotes the note found on the box: 'My Sunshine Hummer. It sings when the sun says hello. - Zadie, 2005.'

What is the main function of Mr. Crosby's dialogue at the end of the story?

• To show that he was annoyed with the students.

• To suggest that the invention was actually magic.

• To create a new mystery for the students to solve.

• To provide a final explanation and a sense of history to the discovery.

Answer explanation

When Mr. Crosby says, 'I remember Zadie. She loved making things that seemed like magic,' he confirms the identity of the inventor and adds a personal touch that completes the story's resolution.

Match the character's action or dialogue to the role it plays in the story's resolution.

• The final piece of information that explains the inventor

• Shaun saying, 'Wow... It's an invention!'

• The emotional conclusion of the mystery

• Malia's final smile

• The moment of understanding and awe

• Malia noticing the beam of sunlight

• The key observation that leads to the discovery

• Mr. Crosby's memory of Zadie

Answer explanation

Malia's observation of the sunlight is the clue that solves the mystery. Shaun's exclamation shows his surprise and realization. Mr. Crosby's comment explains who Zadie was, completing the backstory. Malia's smile shows her emotional satisfaction with the resolution.

Categorize the following items based on whether they relate to the initial mystery or the final resolution.

Groups:

(a) The Initial Mystery

,

(b) The Final Resolution

• Feeling uneasy about the sound

• Hearing a scheduled hum from a locked door

• Finding a note from a former student

• Discovering a solar-powered motor

• Feeling a connection to Zadie

• Thinking the noise is from old pipes

Answer explanation

The items are sorted based on when they occurred in the plot. The 'Initial Mystery' category includes the problem and early theories. The 'Final Resolution' category includes the discovery and the feelings associated with solving the mystery.

The story resolves when the characters use curiosity and observation to turn a spooky mystery into an interesting discovery. How could you apply Malia's method of investigating the strange hum to solve a simple, everyday mystery in your own school or neighborhood (like a lost item or a strange sound)? Explain your steps, using evidence from the passage about what Malia did.

Answer explanation