Halloween Science Mystery | Evidence Analysis, Data & CER | Grades 6–8
Turn Halloween into an engaging science investigation with The Haunting of Hollow Creek Lab!
In this Halloween science mystery, students investigate a series of strange events inside an abandoned-looking school science lab. A specimen collection has disappeared, mysterious footprints cross the floor, a warning has been written on the board, the temperature suddenly drops, and witnesses report hearing scratching from inside the wall.
Is Hollow Creek Lab actually haunted? Rumors aren’t evidence. Students must examine five evidence files, analyze the data, eliminate suspects, and use scientific reasoning to determine what really happened.
The investigation includes evidence involving footprint measurements, chromatography data, temperature changes, suspect timelines, and airflow. Students finish by evaluating the complete case and constructing a final scientific explanation using Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER).
Designed for grades 6–8, this activity works well for middle school science classes. It is perfect for Halloween, the day before a break, science-skills review, enrichment, sub plans, or any time you want students practicing scientific reasoning in a different way.
Students Will
Distinguish observations from inferences
Analyze quantitative and qualitative evidence
Compare measurements
Interpret scientific data tables
Analyze simulated chromatography results
Create and interpret a line graph
Identify independent and dependent variables
Calculate temperature change
Identify patterns in data
Interpret timeline evidence
Analyze experimental airflow data
Evaluate multiple pieces of evidence
Eliminate unsupported explanations
Revise hypotheses as new evidence becomes available
Construct a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning explanation
Explain seemingly mysterious events using scientific evidence
These skills are built directly into the student investigation and final case report.
What’s Included
21 total pages
1 Teacher Guide
12-page Student Science Mystery Investigation
7-page Complete Teacher Answer Key
Thank You / Terms of Use page
Student Investigation Includes
Case File #1031 — The Haunting of Hollow Creek Lab
Students read the creepy opening mystery and learn their investigation mission.
Suspect Files
Students examine four suspects and make an initial hypothesis before seeing the evidence.
Investigator’s Evidence Log
Students track observations, possible explanations, and connections throughout the case.
Evidence File #1 — The Footprints
Students compare shoe measurements and tread patterns.
Evidence File #2 — The Message
Students analyze chromatography results to compare mystery ink with suspect writing tools.
Evidence File #3 — Temperature Data
Students graph temperature data, calculate temperature change, identify variables, and determine when something changed inside the lab.
Evidence File #4 — Suspect Timeline
Students compare evidence from photographs, cameras, key-card records, and suspect locations.
Evidence File #5 — The Scratching in the Wall
Students analyze airflow data to determine whether the mysterious sounds and moving decorations have a scientific explanation.
Evidence Board
Students weigh evidence supporting and weakening suspicion for each suspect.
Final Case Report
Students use at least three evidence files to construct a final Claim-Evidence-Reasoning explanation.
Case Closed Reveal
Science Reflection
