Engage your students with this Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration CSI Science Mystery for Grades 6–8. Students read, investigate, and connect how energy flows through ecosystems as they compare photosynthesis and cellular respiration. This printable reading mystery blends science literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking as students explore how these two processes work together in living organisms.
This Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration CSI Science Mystery is ideal for middle school science teachers searching for printable NGSS-aligned activities and inquiry-based lessons.
What is a CSI Science Mystery?
A CSI Science Mystery turns science content into a detective-style challenge. Students analyze a short, high-interest passage, answer questions to reveal clues, and apply scientific reasoning to solve the mystery. It’s a fun mix of inquiry-based learning and reading comprehension—perfect for deepening understanding of real-world science concepts.
What’s Included
- Teacher guide and setup instructions
- Engaging science reading passage explaining photosynthesis and cellular respiration
- Comprehension and critical-thinking questions based on the passage
- Clue reveal pages to help students solve the mystery
- Student recording sheets and full answer keys
Concepts & Scientific Skills Covered
- Roles of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in energy transfer
- How plants capture light energy to produce glucose and oxygen
- How organisms use cellular respiration to release energy from food
- Relationship between the reactants and products of both processes
- Observation, data analysis, and using evidence to support scientific explanations
This activity supports NGSS middle school life science standards such as MS-LS1-6 and MS-LS1-7, as students use evidence-based reasoning to describe how matter and energy move through organisms and ecosystems.
Perfect For
- NGSS-aligned lessons on photosynthesis and cellular respiration
- Inquiry-based or cross-curricular science and reading lessons
- Sub plans and independent practice
- Homeschool middle school science curriculum
Why Teachers & Students Love It
Students think like scientists as they compare processes, analyze clues, and explain how photosynthesis and cellular respiration are connected. The mystery format keeps lessons engaging while reinforcing essential life science concepts through structured reading and reasoning.
Important Notes
Please Note: This is a digital product. You will receive a PDF download link. Print the pages you need or share select pages digitally through your secure learning platform.
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