Notes: This resource uses a mixed investigation structure. Each worksheet is designed to function as a self-contained mini-mystery that targets a specific math skill, while also contributing to the larger case file if used in sequence. This flexibility allows teachers to assign pages independently for skill practice, small groups, and stations, or to use all 10 worksheets together as a complete detective investigation.

Turn your classroom into a New Year crime lab with this 10-page, black-and-white “Forensic Firework Files: Crime Lab Math – New Year 2026 Edition” worksheet pack for Grade 7. A mysterious firework malfunction has disrupted the New Year celebration, and students become CSI analysts using equations, proportional reasoning, data tables, graphs, and unit conversions to uncover what went wrong.

Each worksheet features a CSI/firework-themed storyline, one black-and-white illustration prompt, and 10 rigorous Grade 7 questions—the last problem is a multi-step “case clue” that pushes students to reason, justify, and connect multiple concepts. Perfect for January, New Year review, or a high-engagement math investigation unit.

What’s Included:

Worksheet 1: Blast Radius Report – Scale Drawings and Proportions

• Skills: Proportional reasoning, scale factor, distance comparisons, percent change
  
• Task: Use scale drawings and distance data to analyze firework debris spread and identify the strongest blast zone
  

Worksheet 2: Fuse Timing Equations – One-Step and Two-Step Equations

• Skills: One-step and two-step equations, interpreting variables, rate equations
  
• Task: Model fuse burn times with equations, solve for time and distance, and compare normal vs defective fuse rates
  

Worksheet 3: Chemical Mix Ratios – Identifying Faulty Batches

• Skills: Ratios, simplifying ratios, proportional reasoning, percent of a whole
  
• Task: Compare chemical batch ratios to a correct formula to find incorrect mixes and suspicious batches
  

Worksheet 4: Firework Height Data Table – Proportional Relationships and Patterns

• Skills: Interpreting tables, identifying constant rate of change, writing equations, error analysis
  
• Task: Analyze height vs time data, extend patterns, and determine whether the firework behaved as expected
  

Worksheet 5: Unit Conversion Crime Clue – Metric Length and Time Conversions

• Skills: Converting between meters/centimeters, seconds/milliseconds, comparing measurements
  
• Task: Convert mixed units in evidence logs, compare values, and identify possible mis-recorded data
  

Worksheet 6: Malfunction Graph Analysis – Interpreting Height–Time Graphs

• Skills: Graph interpretation, rate of change, identifying anomalies, linear vs nonlinear thinking
  
• Task: Read a height–time graph, pinpoint malfunctions, and explain what the shape of the graph suggests about the explosion
  

Worksheet 7: Suspect Velocity Analysis – Speed, Distance, and Time

• Skills: speed = distance ÷ time, comparing speeds, unit conversions (m/s to km/h)
  
• Task: Analyze suspect movement data to determine who could realistically reach the firework platform in time
  

Worksheet 8: Fuse Cooling Curve – Linear Relationships and Temperature Change

• Skills: Interpreting tables, rate of change, linear modeling, percent change
  
• Task: Study a cooling-time table for a burnt fuse, model the temperature drop, and use it to infer timing of the malfunction
  

Worksheet 9: Pressure Chamber Equations – Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities

• Skills: Solving multi-step equations, inequalities, percent increase, interpreting safe vs unsafe levels
  
• Task: Solve pressure equations, compare to safety thresholds, and decide whether pressure caused the malfunction
  

Worksheet 10: Final Crime Lab Puzzle – Mixed-Skill Forensic Mystery

• Skills: Proportions, percent error, multi-step equations, comparing ratios, synthesizing evidence
  
• Task: Combine timing, height, mixture ratios, and suspect velocity data to write a final forensic conclusion explaining why the firework failed
  

How It Helps Students:

• Builds deep understanding of ratios, proportions, and linear relationships in a meaningful context
  
• Strengthens fluency with equations, unit conversions, and percent applications
  
• Encourages critical thinking, explanation, and evidence-based reasoning
  
• Connects multiple Grade 7 skills into one coherent story-driven investigation
  
• Makes abstract concepts concrete through data tables, graphs, and realistic “crime lab” evidence
  

How It Helps Teachers:

• No-prep, print-and-go black-and-white worksheets for easy photocopying
  
• Perfect for New Year units, winter review, problem-solving days, or mini-projects
  
• Integrates multiple CCSS domains into one engaging narrative unit
  
• Provides built-in opportunities for discussion, written justification, and math talk
  
• Flexible use: whole-class investigations, small-group CSI centers, or independent practice
  

Solves Key Pain Points:

• Moves beyond routine drill to rich, story-based problem solving
  
• Helps students see how ratios, equations, and graphs are used in real investigations
  
• Supports mixed-ability classes through clear contexts while still offering rigor
  
• Encourages reluctant learners by framing math as a forensic mystery to solve
  
• Provides a ready-made themed resource for January without needing elaborate prep or color ink
  

This resource includes typographically styled fractions and exponents, along with auto-formatted elements, designed to expose students to a variety of visual representations. By incorporating both digital and traditional formats, students encounter mathematical expressions in ways they may not often see in standard textbooks. This approach enhances flexible thinking and supports adaptation to various digital tools, platforms, and real-world scenarios. It encourages a deeper conceptual understanding and strengthens students’ confidence with diverse mathematical notations.

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