- Read the story to understand Lucy’s problem: litterbugs are leaving trash on the beach, and she wants to identify who they are.
- Use the “Mystery Clues” table to eliminate animals based on characteristics: “yes” or “no” for “Nocturnal?” and “Animal?”.
- Cross-reference the clues: for example, if an animal is nocturnal and matches the description, it might be a suspect.
- Focus on the final clue: “The litterbugs left behind 30 plastic bags, 22 soda cans, and 10 water bottles.”
- Match the numbers to the “Numeral Matching” section: 30 = thirty, 22 = twenty-two, 10 = ten.
- Use the “Place Value” section to reinforce understanding: 30 has 3 tens and 0 ones; 22 has 2 tens and 2 ones; 10 has 1 ten and 0 ones.
- Conclude that the litterbugs are not animals but people (humans), since no animal fits all clues and humans are responsible for littering.
- Answer: The litterbugs are people — specifically, careless beachgoers who left trash behind.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mystery worksheet.
