Outbreak at Blackrock Base – KS3 Science Literacy Mystery Activity
Hook your KS3 students with this engaging science literacy activity set in a remote Antarctic research station! In this back-to-school style challenge, students work together to investigate a mysterious outbreak by reading scientific evidence, sequencing events, and decoding encrypted messages using the Atbash cipher.

Designed to build teamwork, problem-solving, and scientific literacy, this activity blends science with critical thinking and communication skills – perfect as a KS3 icebreaker or an enrichment lesson.

What’s Included:

• 3-Part Science Mystery Story (student handouts)
• Literacy task worksheets: fill-in-the-blank, sequencing, comprehension & inference questions.
• Atbash Cipher explanation & printable key chart.
• 2 Encrypted messages for students to decode.
• Teacher Instructions with setup guide and discussion ideas.
• Teacher Answer Key with full solutions (included in PPT).
• Editable PowerPoint lesson presentation with answers.
• Bonus comic-style illustrations of the research base & Biohazard signage to display in classroom for immersion.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Print-and-go – minimal prep required.
• Flexible use – perfect for back-to-school, literacy in science, or a one-off engaging lesson.
• Collaborative – students work in teams to solve the outbreak mystery.
• Cross-curricular – combines science, literacy, and problem-solving.
• Self-marking ready – PowerPoint includes all answers for easy class feedback.

Curriculum Links
This activity is ideal for KS3 Science (ages 11–14), supporting:
Working Scientifically – analysing evidence, evaluating explanations, and communicating findings
Science Literacy – reading comprehension, inference, and decoding information
Teamwork and Oracy – discussing and justifying decisions

A unique and exciting way to combine science literacy and teamwork while immersing students in a real-world style science mystery!