Uncovering Hidden Variables: A Physics Classroom Activity on Correlation and Causation

A classroom activity for high school physics students is presented to explore the distinction between correlation and causation. Using data linking ice cream sales to drowning deaths, presented within a fictional news article, students analyze the relationship, create plots, and identify temperature as the hidden variable explaining the correlation. The activity fosters critical thinking by engaging students in scientific reasoning, illustrating how data representation influences conclusions, and supporting the development of scientific literacy and data interpretation skills.