Glitter Trace Evidence Worksheet

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Part 1: Learn About Trace Evidence

Trace evidence is a tiny piece of material that can help scientists work out what happened. Glitter is trace evidence because it can be seen, collected and compared.

When glitter moves from one person, object or place to another, this is called transfer. An observation is something you notice using your senses. An inference is an idea you form from your observations.

Vocabulary Match

1. Transfer

2. Trace evidence

3. Observation

4. Inference

A. A conclusion based on clues

B. A tiny material that may show contact

C. Something noticed or measured

D. Movement from one place or object to another

5. Write a prediction: If a person touches glitter, where else might the glitter be found?

Part 2: Glitter Trace Investigation

Scenario: Glitter was found on a classroom desk. A scientist checks three possible sources: a craft bag, a student’s sleeve and a chair. The scientist records only what can be seen before making an inference.

Record the Evidence

Sample A: Craft bag

Observation: ________________________________________________

Possible source or connection: _________________________________

Sample B: Student’s sleeve

Observation: ________________________________________________

Possible source or connection: _________________________________

Sample C: Chair

Observation: ________________________________________________

Possible source or connection: _________________________________

1. Which statement is an observation?

Glitter is visible on the left sleeve.

The student must have made the craft.

The student is responsible.

2. Which statement is an inference?

Three silver glitter pieces are on the desk.

Glitter was transferred from the sleeve to the desk.

The glitter is small.

3. Tick all the ways glitter could transfer.

A hand touches glitter.

Glitter sticks to clothing.

Glitter moves through a solid desk by itself.

A bag brushes against a chair.

4. Put these events in the most likely order by writing 1, 2 and 3.

______ Glitter sticks to a sleeve.

______ The sleeve touches the desk.

______ Glitter is found on the desk.

6. Explain why scientists should separate observations from inferences.

Part 3: Conclusion and Extension

Conclusion

What do you think happened in the scenario? Use at least one observation and one inference.

Extension Challenge

Design a fair test to investigate which materials collect the most glitter. Name three materials, describe what you would keep the same, and explain what you would measure.

Teacher Answer Key

Vocabulary: 1–D, 2–B, 3–C, 4–A.

Question 1: Glitter is visible on the left sleeve.

Question 2: Glitter was transferred from the sleeve to the desk.

Question 3: A hand touches glitter; glitter sticks to clothing; a bag brushes against a chair.

Question 4: Sleeve gets glitter: 1; sleeve touches desk: 2; glitter is found on desk: 3.

Question 5: Answers will vary. Accept predictions such as glitter may be found on hands, clothing, furniture or other objects.

Question 6: Observations are recorded evidence, while inferences are explanations based on that evidence. Separating them helps scientists avoid treating guesses as facts.

Conclusion: Answers will vary. Look for a sensible explanation supported by an observation, such as glitter on a sleeve and an inference that the sleeve may have touched the desk.

Extension: Answers should include a clear test, three materials, controlled conditions and a measurement such as the number of glitter pieces collected.