PBL11 Is Dying For the Launch Roaring 20s Project

In preparation for their 2025-26 project, PBL11 students and staff enjoyed a Murder Mystery lunch performed by the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Tuesday afternoon. 

To introduce students to a true immersive experience, the class enjoyed a performance from the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, where students played characters in the “Billionaires Club,” and used their resources to solve who committed the murder of Sel Phee, the club’s president. 

Characters were given background binders with possible motives and opportunities to commit the crime. While each character had a motive or an opportunity, only one character had motive and opportunity. Throughout the three-act performance, students were given a clue at the start of each act to develop the plot further. They could then bribe each other with money to get more insight on each character’s involvement in the crime and the relationships they forged with the other club members. 

During the performance, the staff from the Muder Mystery Dinner Theater gave tips to the students on how to choose audience participants and give a successful and entertaining performance. 

PBL11’s culminating project focuses on the roaring 20s and its connections to the present day by examining the Harlem Renaissance; Modern Age inventions and their impact on communication, such as entertainment, productivity, and transportation; the “Boom and Bust” economy; isolationism; prohibition/bootlegging; and women’s empowerment. All of these observations will be anchored through the reading of “The Great Gatsby,” and answer the essential question, “Are the 1920s still roaring?” 

To bring this project to life, students will develop a marketing plan/fundraiser that involves community stakeholders (historical societies, politicians and business leaders). They will also provide an immersive experience themed around the roaring 20s that brings the style, sounds and attitudes “to life,” as well as highlight the factual elements and make connections to the present day.

For more information on CHS’ Project-Based Learning Program, visit https://chs.cheltenham.org/academics/project-based-learning-15