Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

Inside the case file

Follow the flow of energy to crack the case. This printable Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration 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 life science, energy, or cells unit and keeps every student reading with purpose.

Students turn close reading into deductions, eliminating suspects with each text-based answer until only one is left. Ready to print, nothing to set up.

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-LS1-6 and MS-LS1-7
Tech Needed: None — no apps, locks, passwords, or student logins required

The Case

Something has disrupted the flow of energy through a living system, and a line-up of suspects is waiting. The only way to crack the case is to read closely about photosynthesis and cellular respiration — how plants capture light to make glucose and oxygen, and how organisms release that energy — using every comprehension answer as a clue to rule a suspect out, until just one remains.

How the Science Mystery Works

Acting as Science Detectives, students read about photosynthesis and cellular respiration, then use each correct answer to rule a suspect out until only the culprit 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 photosynthesis and cellular respiration (energy flow, glucose and oxygen, and how the two processes are linked)
• 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
• The roles of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in energy transfer
• How matter and energy move through organisms and ecosystems
• Cause and effect and drawing conclusions from evidence
• Science vocabulary in context
• Logic, reasoning, and critical thinking

Best Used For

• Life science, energy, and cells units
• NGSS-aligned review and inquiry lessons
• Science and nonfiction reading comprehension
• Science centers, test prep, sub plans, and small groups
• Homeschool science