Questions and Answers
What genre is The Case of the Gasping Garbage?
Based on the descriptions of Doyle on pgs 1 and 2, what can you infer about him?
He is a 5th grader with wild hair the color of cinnamon toast, wears glasses, has a homemade lab, calls himself a science detective, and has a mother who is a caterer and a father who owned a science equipment and supply company.
Where does the beginning of the story take place?
At Mossy Lake, in Drake Doyle's lab and at Gabby Talberg's basement.
When Gabby called Doyle, how did he know that her call was very important?
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Who is Nell Fossey?
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What was the 'first rule of science'?
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Why does Drake remain calm as Gabby told him her problem?
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Who is Frisco and what can we infer about what type of scientist he is?
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What is the problem with Gabby's garbage can?
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How do Drake and Nell feel about the mystery of the gasping garbage can?
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What do Drake and Nell decide to do with the garbage can after they finish inspecting it at Gabby's house?
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Why does Mr. Doyle roll his eyes while he is talking to Drake?
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What clues let Drake and Nell know that there was no monster in the garbage can?
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What is actually in the can?
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What makes the garbage can burp?
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Using context clues, what do you think the meaning of the word 'culprit' is?
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Study Notes
Genre and Setting
- The Case of the Gasping Garbage is classified as fiction.
- The story begins in Mossy Lake, specifically at Drake Doyle's lab and Gabby Talberg's basement.
Character Profiles
- Drake Doyle: A 5th grader with wild cinnamon toast-colored hair and glasses, operates a homemade lab, and considers himself a science detective. His parents have careers in catering and science supplies.
- Gabby Talberg: An acquaintance of Drake who faces an unusual problem with her garbage can.
- Nell Fossey: A fellow 5th grader and budding scientist with coffee-colored ponytail hair and a vegetarian diet. Her mother is a biology professor.
Plot Developments
- Gabby calls Drake in distress, claiming there is a "monster" in her garbage can, which is making loud noises.
- The "first rule of science" emphasized by Drake is to remain calm and use good judgment, despite excitement.
- Gabby's garbage can is making sounds similar to a "blood-sucking monster," prompting investigation.
Scientific Investigation
- Drake and Nell approach the situation with caution, reflecting on their scientific training.
- Upon inspecting the garbage can, they conclude that it contains flour and yeast creating sounds from gas buildup.
Resolution
- Clues indicating there is no real monster include the garbage can sounding hollow, being light, warm, emitting a bread-like smell, and Gabby's dad being a baker.
- The actual contents of the garbage can are identified as yeast and flour, which produce carbon dioxide gas causing a burping sound.
Character Dynamics
- Mr. Doyle expresses concern for Drake and Nell's safety while engaging in their scientific adventures.
- James Frisco is characterized as a "bad, mad scientist" due to his poor judgment and disregard for scientific methods.
Vocabulary Insight
- The term "culprit," referenced in the story, refers to individuals responsible for a wrongdoing or issue.
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Description
Test your knowledge of 'The Case of the Gasping Garbage', a children's fiction story set in Mossy Lake. Explore the characters, plot developments, and unique problem that leads to a science detective adventure. See how well you understand the key elements of this engaging tale!