Science Sleuths Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________

In this activity, you will act as Science Sleuths. Use the Mystery Data Set to complete each section below. Think carefully, use evidence from the data, and write clearly.

1. Observations (Record at least three objective notes about the data)

1. Observation 1:
   
   
   
   
2. Observation 2:
   
   
   
   
3. Observation 3:
   
   
   
   

2. Hypothesis

Write one testable hypothesis that could explain the patterns or anomalies you observed.

3. Data Analysis

Using the Mystery Data Set, answer the following questions:

1. Does the data support or refute your hypothesis? Explain your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What two specific data points or trends strengthen your hypothesis?
   a.
   
   
   
   b.
   
   
   

3. What evidence or observations challenge your hypothesis?
   
   
   
   
   

4. Identify any unexpected patterns or anomalies you found.
   
   
   
   
   

5. What potential sources of error or alternative explanations should you consider?
   
   
   
   
   

4. Evidence-Based Conclusion

Summarize your conclusion in one or two clear sentences. Be sure to cite at least two pieces of data from the set.

5. Exit Ticket / Reflection

1. One evidence-based conclusion from today’s data:
   
   
   
   
2. One new scientific question you have after this investigation:
   
   
   
   

Mystery Data Set

Imagine you are investigating the air quality in Townsville over a 30-day period. Each day, scientists recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI). An AQI between 0–50 is “Good,” 51–100 is “Moderate,” and 101–150 is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Use this table to complete your Science Sleuths Worksheet.

Notes for analysis:

• Look for days with unusually high AQI (peaks) or low AQI (valleys).
• Consider possible causes for spikes around days 7, 14, 21, and 28.
• Identify any patterns (e.g., weekend vs. weekday) or anomalies.

Science Sleuths: Whole-Class Discussion Guide

Discussion Objectives

• Deepen understanding of data interpretation and evidence-based reasoning
• Share and compare hypotheses and conclusions
• Reflect on the scientific thinking process and consider real-world implications

Discussion Guidelines

• Listen respectfully to each group’s ideas
• Refer explicitly to data points in the Mystery Data Set
• Ask clarifying questions and offer constructive feedback
• Use scientific vocabulary: observation, hypothesis, evidence, conclusion

1. Sharing Observations (5 minutes)

1. Invite 3–4 pairs to share one key observation each from their Science Sleuths Worksheet.
   • Follow-up: “Which data point made you notice that pattern?”
   • Deepen: “Did anyone else see the same thing? Why or why not?”

2. Comparing Hypotheses (8 minutes)

1. Ask: “What hypothesis did your group propose to explain the data pattern?”
   • Prompt: “How did you link your observation to your hypothesis?”
2. Invite one group whose hypothesis was different to present.
   • Follow-up: “What evidence led you to a different explanation?”
3. Discuss: “Which hypothesis seems strongest? Why?”
   • Push further: “Can you identify a specific AQI spike or valley that supports or challenges it?”

3. Evidence-Based Conclusions (8 minutes)

1. Request: “Share your final conclusion in one sentence and cite two data points that support it.”
   • Example: “Our conclusion is … because Day 14’s AQI jumped to 75 after the festival and Day 7’s spike to 70 coincides with a weekend pattern.”
2. Ask the class: “What limitations or alternative explanations did you consider?”
   • Follow-up: “How could we collect more data to test those alternatives?”

4. Reflection & Extension (7 minutes)

1. Pose a reflective question:
   • “How did the process of observation → hypothesis → analysis → conclusion help you think like a scientist?”
2. Extension prompt:
   • “If you were the Townsville mayor, what policy or action might you recommend based on today’s findings?”
   • “What additional environmental or social data would strengthen your recommendation?”
3. Final quick-write:
   • “One thing you learned about interpreting real-world data”
   • “One new question you still have”
   (Collect responses as an exit ticket.)

Materials for Reference:
• Science Sleuths Worksheet
• Mystery Data Set

Use this discussion guide to structure your debrief, foster critical thinking, and connect classroom analysis to real-world scientific inquiry.

Quick-Think Warm-Up

Time: 5 minutes

Materials:

• Projected snapshot of the first 7 days from the Mystery Data Set

Instructions:

1. Review the AQI values for Days 1–7.
2. On your paper, record TWO quick observations about the data.
3. Observation 1:
   
   
   
   
4. Observation 2:
   
   
   
   
5. Write ONE possible explanation (hypothesis) for a pattern you notice.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Turn to an elbow partner, share your observations and hypothesis, and add one new idea from your partner.

Purpose: This rapid exercise activates prior knowledge of data interpretation, sharpens observation skills, and prepares students for deeper analysis in the Science Sleuths Worksheet.

Sleuth Reflection Exit Ticket

Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________

Take a few minutes to reflect on today’s Science Sleuths investigation.

1. One evidence-based conclusion from today’s data (cite at least one data point):
   
   
   
   

2. Which TWO specific AQI values or patterns most strongly support your conclusion?
   a.
   
   
   
   b.
   
   
   

3. One new scientific question you have after this investigation:
   
   
   
   

4. How did the process of observation → hypothesis → analysis → conclusion help you think like a scientist?