This 5th grade math mystery is an easy-to-use activity that both the teacher and student will enjoy! Students complete detective math worksheets while solving a mystery at the same time.
$6.00
Box math mystery 5th grade activities are the perfect way to keep students practicing the skill: measurement conversions. This resource turns learning into a storyline that feels like a fifth grade math escape room—without the stress of hours of teacher prep. Teachers simply print and go (or assign digitally), and students solve math clues to crack the case.
Students complete box math worksheets for 5th grade that guide them through clues until the mystery is solved. Each page reinforces math standards while turning practice into an exciting detective-style puzzle. Whether you need a math center, a classroom transformation, or an engaging small-group activity, this math mystery is ready to use.
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Teachers want math review activities that keep students engaged while building mastery. This 5th grade box math mystery transforms routine worksheets into an interactive game where every problem brings students closer to solving the case.
No prep required – just print and go
Fun storyline – engaging and exciting skill practice
Differentiated options – easy and hard versions included
Flexible timing – 3-clue or 5-clue versions available
Digital version included – assign in Google Slides or Classroom
Introduce the Story – Tell students the premise and what they get to do.
Complete Worksheets – Each page practices math skills.
Cross Off Locations – Students eliminate incorrect places from their list as they solve.
Reveal the Answer – When all clues are finished, the mystery is solved and the answer is revealed!
This step-by-step format makes math review exciting while encouraging critical thinking.
The box math mystery 5th grade worksheets (aka math clues!) focus on:
These worksheets give students meaningful practice while keeping the theme fun and engaging.
This resource includes multiple levels to support all learners.
Hard Version – Includes more reading, reasoning, and critical thinking.
Easy Version – Simple worksheets with minimal reading, paired with clue cards.
3-Clue and 5-Clue Versions – Adjust based on time available and student readiness.
Short on time? Use the 3-clue version. Want a longer or more challenging activity? Use the 5-clue version.
Need enrichment? 2 bonus mysteries are included. If you have students who are not ready to the main skill, you can have them practice math facts instead:
Mystery #1: Addition and Subtraction Facts
Mystery #2: Multiplication and Division Facts
Clues are interchangeable! Swap one clue from the review mystery with one from a fact fluency mystery if you’d like to customize the activity for your students. This is the same mystery as the main skill, just with math facts instead!
This 5th grade math activity is available in two teacher-friendly formats:
Printable Worksheets (PDF) – Perfect for whole-class lessons, small groups, or math centers.
Digital Google Slides Version – Great for assigning in Google Classroom and helpful for schools with limited printing.
Both versions save you prep time and keep students engaged.
There are many ways to use this box math mystery 5th grade activity:
Whole Group: Solve the clues together as a class.
Small Groups: Use for guided math at the back table.
Fast Finishers: Early finishers can complete a certificate or themed directed drawing.
Classroom Transformation: Create an escape room day without hours of decorating.
This box math mystery goes beyond worksheets—it turns review into an interactive experience.
Print-and-go with no prep
Builds critical thinking and problem-solving
Keeps students engaged with a fun theme
Easy to differentiate for all learners
Aligned with 5th grade math standards
Perfect for unit review days, room transformations, or everyday practice
This box math mystery 5th grade activity is a fun way to practice math skills. With multiple versions, three mysteries included, and both print and digital formats, it’s flexible enough to fit any classroom. Students will love solving the clues to uncover the final answer, and teachers will appreciate how easy it is to use.
Make math review effective, simple, and fun with this themed escape room style activity. Your students will feel like detectives while practicing essential 5th grade math skills!
Do these come with 3 clues or 5 clues?
Both! There are 2 versions so you can use the version that works best with your class. Or, you could differentiate and use the 3 clue version with some students and the 5 clue version with other groups. Both versions lead to the same conclusion/culprit, ensuring that students will not be aware of the different leveled assignments.
How do I use this with my students?
You can use this whole group, small group, in partners, table groups, independently, as homework, and more! Fifth graders may need light support reading the directions the first time they complete these mysteries. I’d suggest completing one together in whole group or small groups at first. As students become more comfortable, working in pairs and independently will become more feasible.
Are the phonics mysteries the same as the math mysteries?
No—phonics and grammar mysteries are completely different! They use their own set of clues, target grammar or phonics skills, and end with a unique conclusion. The only shared piece is the starting list of suspects, but each mystery reveals a different culprit. Check out the preview to see the differences in detail—you can absolutely purchase both and enjoy solving the mystery twice!
Is a digital version included?
Yes! The digital version is available in Google Slides and the link is included in the printable PDF. You can download the Google Slides to use in PowerPoint if needed as well.
Why do the main mystery and the extra mysteries look the same?
The main mystery and the extra mysteries feature the same clues but focus on different skills. This design ensures that students of varying abilities can work on different mysteries without realizing they are tackling different challenges.
What should students do if they finish early?
A fast finisher directed drawing activity is included for students who finish early! There is also a certificate of completion for every student. You could also have students work on incomplete assignments or read a book.
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Planning to use this resource with more than one teacher or classroom?
Many teachers work closely with grade-level teams or teaching partners, and it’s important that resources are shared in a way that respects the creator’s rights. Each teacher who wishes to use this resource must purchase their own license through their own account. If you’d like information about grade-level licensing, feel free to contact me directly at li***********************@***il.com for details on group pricing.
Thank you for respecting the work that goes into creating these materials!
Copyright © The Lifetime Learner, INC. All rights reserved. This resource is for use by the original purchaser only. It may not be copied, shared, or distributed for use by multiple teachers, classrooms, departments, schools, or districts. Uploading this file to any shared drives or public websites is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Graphics and elements included are licensed for use within this product only and may not be used separately. For personal and single-classroom use only.
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