Science Sleuth Script

Warm-Up: What's a Mystery? (5 minutes)

(Display Slide 1: Welcome, Science Sleuths!)

"Hello, future Science Super Sleuths! Raise your hand if you love a good mystery! What do you think a mystery is?


(Allow 1-2 student responses)."

(Display Slide 2: What's a Mystery?)

"That's right! A mystery is something we don't know the answer to yet. Like, 'What's for dinner?' or 'Where did my toy go?' We are going to become amazing mystery solvers today!"

Introduce the Scientific Method (10 minutes)

(Display Slide 3: Scientists are Detectives!)

"Scientists are like the best detectives in the world! They solve mysteries all the time, but they use a special set of steps called the Scientific Method. Our first step as a scientist is to Ask a Question. What do we want to find out? Today, our big question is going to be: What is inside the mystery box?"

(Display Slide 4: Make a Prediction)

"Once we have a question, a scientist makes a Prediction. This is like making a smart guess about what you think will happen or what the answer might be. It's okay if your prediction isn't exactly right; it just helps us think! So, what are your predictions about what might be in our mystery box?


(Allow a few student predictions)."

(Display Slide 5: Test It Out!)

"Now for the fun part! A scientist needs to Test it Out! This is where we do an experiment or try something to find the answer. For our mystery box, we can't open it yet, but we can still 'test' by using our senses! What could we do to try and figure out what's inside without seeing it? (Guide students to suggest shaking, listening, feeling the box)."

(Display Slide 6: Observe & Conclude!)

"After we test it out, we need to Observe and Conclude. That means we look very closely at what happened during our test, and then we figure out what we learned. We'll use our observations to make our best guess about what's inside the box!"

Activity: The Mystery Box (10 minutes)

(Display Slide 7: Mystery Box Challenge!)

"Alright, Science Super Sleuths, it's time for our Mystery Box Activity! I have a virtual mystery box to show you, or I'll describe it! Inside is a mystery object. Remember our steps!"

• Ask a Question: "Our question is: What is inside this mystery box?"
• Make a Prediction: "Close your eyes for a second and think. Based on how the box looks (if showing an image), or just thinking about what I'm describing from the outside, what do you predict is inside? (Allow students to make predictions)."
• Test it Out (Virtually): "Now, let's test! Since we're virtual, I'll be your eyes and ears for the box! I'm going to shake the box. Listen closely to my description: It sounds like a soft thump, thump. It's not rolling much. It feels kind of light. What do you hear? What do you think this tells us? (Describe sounds/movements clearly, e.g., 'If I shake it, I hear a soft rattle.'). What if I turn it over? It doesn't seem to shift a lot. Does this give you any new clues? (Describe the weight or any external texture you 'feel')."
• Observe & Conclude: "Based on what you heard and felt through my descriptions, what are your observations? What did you learn? Now, knowing all of this, what is your final conclusion? What do you think is definitely in the box? (Guide students to refine their guesses based on observations). Okay, are we ready for the reveal? Drumroll please! (Open the actual box on camera and reveal the object, e.g., a crayon). Was anyone close? Amazing detective work!"

Cool-Down: Scientist in Training (5 minutes)

(Display Slide 8: You're a Science Super Sleuth!)

"Wow! You all were incredible Science Super Sleuths today! You used the scientific method to solve our mystery. Can someone share one thing they learned about being a scientist today?


(Allow 1-2 student responses)."

"Remember, you can use these steps to solve mysteries big and small every day! Keep asking questions, keep making smart guesses, and keep exploring! You are all scientists in training! Great job, everyone!"

Mystery Box Activity Guide

Objective

Students will apply the steps of the scientific method to guess the contents of a hidden box.

Materials

• A digital image of a mystery box (optional, for visual effect during virtual presentation)
• A pre-selected 'mystery object' that the teacher will describe (e.g., a crayon, an eraser, a paperclip, a small toy car) – the teacher should have the actual object hidden and ready to reveal at the end.

Instructions

1. Introduce the Mystery Box: Show students a digital image of a sealed box or simply describe it. Explain that inside is a mystery object they need to identify using their science skills.

2. Step 1: Ask a Question: Lead students to formulate the question: "What is inside the mystery box?" Write it down or have students verbally confirm the question.

3. Step 2: Make a Prediction: Ask students to make a smart guess (prediction) about what might be inside. Encourage them to explain why they think that, based on any initial visual cues or prior knowledge. (e.g., "I predict it's a crayon because it might be light.")

4. Step 3: Test it Out (Virtually): Guide students through different ways to gather clues, with the teacher acting as the

Science Sleuth Cool Down

My Scientific Discovery

Think about what we learned today about being a scientist and solving mysteries.

What is one new thing you learned about how scientists work?

What was your favorite part of being a 'Science Super Sleuth' today?