Physical & Chemical Changes

Inside the case file

Did the substance just change shape, or did a whole new one form? That question is the heart of this case. This printable Physical & Chemical Changes Science Mystery hands Grades 6–9 students a nonfiction science passage and a mystery to solve, dropping straight into a physical science or chemistry unit.

Students gather evidence from the text, rule out suspects one answer at a time, and close the case using nothing but the passage — no prep, no logins, no fuss.

Quick Details

Grade Levels: Grades 6–9
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-PS1-2 and MS-PS1-4
Tech Needed: None — no apps, locks, passwords, or student logins required

The Case

A science experiment has gone wrong and no one is owning up to it. Your students must read the evidence on physical and chemical changes — changes of state, energy transfer, and the signs of a chemical reaction — and use it to rule out suspects one by one, until only the culprit behind the mix-up remains.

How the Science Mystery Works

Students work as Science Detectives, pulling evidence from the passage on physical and chemical changes and eliminating suspects with each correct answer until one remains. The only route to the solution is the text itself.

What's Included

• A "You are a detective" case-file page that sets the scene and the mission
• An engaging 2-page informational text on physical and chemical changes (changes of state, energy transfer, chemical reactions, and the signs of chemical change such as gas production, color change, and temperature shifts)
• 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
• Print-and-go PDF format

Skills Covered

• Reading and understanding nonfiction science text
• Finding and using text evidence
• Distinguishing physical changes from chemical changes
• The signs of a chemical reaction, changes of state, and energy transfer
• Cause and effect and drawing conclusions from evidence
• Science vocabulary in context
• Logic, reasoning, and critical thinking

Best Used For

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