Turn your students into science detectives with this NO PREP, engaging, real-world investigation focused on survival aboard the International Space Station as well as future space stations in general. In this case file activity, students analyze life-support evidence, examine water recycling and food systems, evaluate power and temperature control, investigate microgravity and exercise, rank possible causes, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of how astronauts live on the International Space Station.

Instead of passively learning about life in space, students actively investigate, analyze patterns, and reason through the evidence to uncover how air, water, food, power, protection, and resource management all work together to keep astronauts alive and healthy in orbit. This activity makes a high-interest space science topic interactive, engaging, and easy to understand while strengthening critical thinking and literacy skills.

✅ NO PREP, no formatting, no issues. Simply download and go. Includes all instructions, answer key, rubric, and background reading students need to solve the case.

10-Part Activity Breakdown

Part 1 – Mission Briefing:
Students are introduced to a case involving life aboard the International Space Station and the question of how astronauts survive in such a dangerous environment.

Part 2 – Background Reading:
Students build foundational knowledge about the systems astronauts need for survival, including air, water, food, power, temperature control, waste management, communication, and protection.

Part 3 – Evidence Log:
Students examine 10 detailed evidence cards related to oxygen and carbon dioxide control, water recycling, food supply, solar power, temperature control, daily exercise, waste management, protection from space hazards, communication with Earth, and long-term system reliability.

Part 4 – Suspect Ranking:
Students rank possible explanations (life-support systems keep the station safe for humans, the station provides air, water, food, shelter, and power, recycling systems help astronauts reuse limited resources, exercise is needed to reduce the effects of microgravity, and the incorrect idea that astronauts can survive in space without special systems) and justify their reasoning using scientific evidence.

Part 5 – Pathway Tracking:
Students trace how environmental challenges in space → changing station conditions → survival system response → safe living conditions.

Part 6 – Impact Analysis:
Students analyze why astronauts need life-support systems, why exercise and recycling matter in space, and how the station creates a safe place to live and work.

Part 7 – The Big Question:
Students explain how astronauts live on the International Space Station and how multiple connected systems make survival possible.

Part 8 – CER Writing:
Students construct a scientific argument using Claim–Evidence–Reasoning.

Part 9 – Solutions & Action Plan:
Students propose ways to learn more about station life, model one challenge of living in orbit, and improve future station or habitat systems.

Part 10 – Reflection:
Students reflect on what surprised them most about life on the space station and how the different systems work together.

What Students Will Learn

• What systems help astronauts survive on the International Space Station
• Why astronauts need air, water, food, power, temperature control, and protection
• How life-support systems replace conditions Earth provides naturally
• Why exercise is necessary in microgravity
• Why recycling systems are important when supplies are limited
• How waste management supports astronaut health and station safety
• Why communication with Earth is important during space missions
• How the station acts as a controlled survival environment
• How to use Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER) to support scientific explanations
• How engineers solve survival problems in space

This activity blends space science, engineering, physical science, critical thinking, and literacy skills into one high-interest, structured lesson that keeps students thinking like real-world scientific investigators.

This Mystery Is Perfect for:

• Space and space exploration units
• International Space Station lessons
• Human survival in space lessons
• Engineering and design units
• Astronomy science classes
• Sub plans, review days, or project-based learning

You can find this Mystery Activity as well as the others I have created inside my Space and Space Exploration Mystery Activity Bundle at a significant discount.

No prep, no formatting, no issues.

Simply download, print (or upload to your class site) and you're all set.

What’s Included

• A complete student case file with guided worksheets for every step of the investigation
• 10 detailed evidence cards based on real-world space issues --> Evidence cards include two versions: one with images and one without images
• A full teacher answer key with sample responses and grading support
• A full marking rubric that covers all key aspects of the mystery activity

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Fully structured and print-and-go – Everything is ready to use with clear directions and built-in scaffolding
• High engagement without extra classroom management – The detective format naturally hooks students
• Real-world relevance students immediately understand
• Builds both science and ELA skills – Includes analysis, explanation, and CER writing
• Flexible for any schedule – Use in one class period, over two days, or as a mini-project

Time Required

• 2 class periods
• Can be extended into a 3-day mini-project

Google Classroom and Distance Learning Ready

• This resource is perfect for in-class or distance learning and integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom.
• It automatically creates a copy of the reading and places it directly into your Google Drive with a single click.
• Purchase → Open → Click → Assign to your students
• The reading also includes a Microsoft Word and PDF version.
• Having all three options allows you to assign the activity without worrying about formatting issues, and ensures access for all students regardless of device or learning environment.

No prep, no formatting, no issues. Simply download, print (or upload), and you're all set.

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If you have any questions please feel free to send me an email - devon@teachwithfergy.com