Mitosis & Meiosis
Science Mystery Worksheets · Grades 7–10 · Cell Division
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Inside the case file
Mitosis or meiosis? One makes copies, the other makes variety — and telling them apart is the key to cracking this case. This printable Mitosis & Meiosis Science Mystery for Grades 7–10 turns cell division into a science-detective investigation, no prep and no lab.
Students comb the text for evidence, cross suspects off with each answer, and race to name the culprit — all print-and-go.
Quick Details
Grade Levels: Grades 7–10
Format: Printable PDF (35 pages)
Resource Type: Science Mystery worksheets
Reading Skills: Nonfiction science comprehension, text evidence, compare and contrast, and science vocabulary
Science Standards: Supports NGSS MS-LS3-2 and HS-LS1-4 (cell division and inheritance)
Tech Needed: None — no apps, locks, passwords, or student logins required
The Case
Something has gone wrong in a genetics research lab, and a line-up of suspects is waiting. The only way to crack the case is to read closely about how cells divide — mitosis vs. meiosis, chromosome number, crossing over, and nondisjunction — using every comprehension answer as a clue to rule a suspect out, until only one explanation fits all the evidence.
How the Science Mystery Works
Working as Science Detectives, students read about mitosis and meiosis, answer to gather evidence, and clear a suspect with each correct answer until the culprit is cornered.
What's Included
- A "You are a detective" case-file page that sets the scene and the mission
- An engaging science reading passage comparing mitosis and meiosis
- 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
- Mitosis vs. meiosis and the cell cycle
- Chromosome number, crossing over, and nondisjunction
- Compare and contrast and drawing conclusions from evidence
- Science vocabulary in context
- Logic, reasoning, and critical thinking
Best Used For
- Cell division, genetics, and life-science units
- NGSS-aligned review and science literacy
- Biology reading comprehension and sub plans
- Science centers, test prep, and small groups
- Homeschool science
