Students investigate the mystery of a stolen necklace, tracing its path across Latin America as they analyze clues and uncover major revolutionary movements. They connect each location to key events and figures, building a broader understanding of how revolutions spread and unfolded.

 In this two-day CSI-style investigation, students act as historical detectives solving the mystery of the Heart of Montoya—a ruby necklace that moves through the revolutions of Mexico and South America between 1808 and 1830.

Through letters, diary entries, newspaper reports, and official documents, students must: Establish a chronological timeline Map the necklace’s movement across Latin America Identify key revolutionary figures Form an evidence-based theory about the necklace’s final fate The fictional mystery is woven into real historical events, pushing students to analyze patterns of revolution, independence, instability, and civil war. This is structured historical reasoning disguised as a mystery.

Download a Sample

What’s Included
16 primary-source style documents (letters, manifests, reports, diaries)
“Agent Report” worksheet for timeline, mapping, and analysis Blank map for tracking the necklace’s movement
Two difficulty versions (with or without dates)
Answer key and historical timeline reference
Teacher guide 

What Students Will Learn 
Sequence major events of the Mexican and South American independence movements (1808–1830)
Identify and explain the roles of Hidalgo, Morelos, Bolívar, San Martín, and others
Analyze primary-source style documents for inference and credibility Trace cause-and-effect relationships across revolutions
Explain why independence movements often led to civil conflict Construct an evidence-based theory using multiple sources

Grades: 9–12
Duration: 2 Class Periods
DOK Level: 3
Format: Printable Investigation Activity