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 New Year lesson into a full CSI-style math investigation. In this 10-page, black-and-white worksheet pack, students use coordinate geometry, slope, distance, and systems of equations to solve a fictional sabotage of the New Year fireworks launch. Each page features a new “crime scene” clue on the coordinate plane, guiding students through plotting, analyzing motion, interpreting slopes, and using distance and intersection points to narrow down suspects.

Every worksheet includes 10 standards-aligned questions plus one crime-scene-style illustration prompt, making it easy to create a cohesive, story-driven set. The final page pulls together all of the evidence as students identify the saboteur using clear mathematical proof.

What’s Included:

Worksheet 1: Coordinate Crime Scene Map – Plot the Evidence
Skills: Plotting ordered pairs, quadrants, reflections, distance from origin, midpoint
Task: Plot evidence points around the launch pad and interpret their locations on the coordinate grid

Worksheet 2: Suspect Motion – Linear Tracker
Skills: Slope from graph, interpreting slope, intercepts, classifying slope types
Task: Analyze suspects’ paths as lines on the grid and determine how they are moving relative to the launch site

Worksheet 3: Security Camera Clues – Slope from Two Points
Skills: Slope calculation from two points, slope-intercept form, parallel and perpendicular lines
Task: Use “camera snapshots” at two points in time to reconstruct suspect paths and write equations of their motion

Worksheet 4: Barrier Zones – Distance Formula
Skills: Distance formula, comparing lengths, circle radius and boundary checks
Task: Calculate distances between key locations and decide which points fall inside or outside a set safety radius

Worksheet 5: Firework Flight Paths – Rate of Movement
Skills: Slope as rate of change, intercepts, evaluating linear functions, comparing slopes
Task: Interpret firework rocket paths and determine which trajectories are fastest or safest using slope and intercepts

Worksheet 6: Footprint Patterns – Which Suspect?
Skills: Comparing linear equations, slope and intercept analysis, intersection points
Task: Study three suspect path equations and decide who is most likely to reach the launch pad based on their line

Worksheet 7: Signal Ping Locations – Solve the System
Skills: Solving systems of linear equations (graphing, substitution, elimination), interpreting solutions
Task: Use “signal pings” from a cell tower to locate intersection points and pin down a suspect’s exact position

Worksheet 8: Crime Scene Geometry – Perpendicular and Parallel Lines
Skills: Identifying and creating parallel/perpendicular lines from slope, geometric reasoning on the grid
Task: Construct and analyze line relationships to model sight lines, barriers, and right-angle paths at the crime scene

Worksheet 9: Chase Path Prediction – Intercepts and Barrier Lines
Skills: x- and y-intercepts, converting to slope-intercept form, comparing line steepness, classifying linear equations
Task: Predict police chase paths and roadblocks by analyzing intercepts and barrier line equations

Worksheet 10: Final Case File – Identify the Saboteur
Skills: Mixed review of slope, distance, systems, intercepts, and line relationships; written justification
Task: Combine all previous evidence to eliminate suspects and write a one-sentence mathematical justification naming the saboteur

How It Helps Students:

• Builds strong conceptual understanding of coordinate geometry and linear relationships
  
• Encourages students to connect abstract skills to a narrative-based investigation
  
• Develops problem-solving, reasoning, and justification skills in a rich context
  

How It Helps Teachers:

• No-prep, print-ready worksheets with a consistent, professional layout
  
• Ideal for New Year activities, January review, or end-of-unit projects on linear functions and geometry
  
• Easily supports whole-class instruction, small groups, or independent “CSI case file” work
  

Solves Key Pain Points:

• Engages reluctant learners with a mystery storyline instead of isolated drill
  
• Integrates multiple Grade 8 domains (slope, distance, systems, geometry) into one cohesive unit
  
• Provides natural opportunities for students to explain their thinking and justify conclusions

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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