Magnetism & Electromagnets
Science Mystery Worksheets · Grades 6–8 · Physical Science
Instant PDF download after checkout. Prefer TPT? It's there too.
Inside the case file
Follow the magnetic clues to crack the case. This printable Magnetism & Electromagnets Science Mystery turns a nonfiction science passage into a science-detective investigation for Grades 6–8 science teachers, homeschoolers, and tutors. It drops straight into a forces, magnetism, or physical science unit and makes close reading the whole point.
As students work the questions, the suspect list shrinks — reading carefully is the only way to reach the answer. Just print and hand it out.
Quick Details
Grade Levels: Grades 6–8
Format: Printable PDF
Resource Type: Science Mystery worksheets
Reading Skills: Nonfiction science comprehension, text evidence, main idea, cause and effect, and science vocabulary
Science Standards: Supports NGSS MS-PS2-3 and MS-PS2-5
Tech Needed: None — no apps, locks, passwords, or student logins required
The Case
A device that runs on magnets has suddenly stopped working, and a line-up of suspects is waiting. The only way to crack the case is to read closely about magnetism and electromagnets — magnetic poles and fields, and how an electric current creates a magnetic field — using every comprehension answer as a clue to rule a suspect out, until just one remains.
How the Science Mystery Works
Students take on the Science Detective role, reading about magnetism and electromagnets and using every text-based answer to eliminate a suspect until one remains.
What's Included
- A "You are a detective" case-file page that sets the scene and the mission
- An engaging science reading passage on magnetism and electromagnets (magnetic poles and fields, electromagnetism, and real-world uses)
- Multiple-choice comprehension questions (all answers found in the text)
- Open-ended written response questions
- A suspect line-up page for eliminating suspects one clue at a time
- A science vocabulary word search and extension activities for early finishers
- A full answer key
- Color and black-and-white versions
- Print-and-go PDF format
Skills Covered
- Reading and understanding nonfiction science text
- Finding and using text evidence
- Magnetic poles and fields — attraction and repulsion
- How an electric current creates a magnetic field, and what affects electromagnet strength
- Cause and effect and drawing conclusions from evidence
- Science vocabulary in context
- Logic, reasoning, and critical thinking
Best Used For
- Forces, magnetism, and physical science units
- NGSS-aligned review and inquiry lessons
- Science and nonfiction reading comprehension
- Science centers, test prep, sub plans, and small groups
- Homeschool science
