Description
This 3rd grade video game mystery makes multi-step word problems practice feel like an adventure! It’s a third grade math escape room in disguise. Instead of regular math worksheets, student detectives crack the code, follow the clues, and solve the case in this math activity. You get 3 versions: a 2 step word problems review and 2 fact fluency versions for easy differentiation. Plus, both print and digital mystery options are provided. Fun for math centers, sub plans, a theme day, small groups, or a video game classroom transformation.
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WHAT IS THIS?
Students solve a set of clues to crack The Case of the Video Game Boss. What makes this activity so easy to use? Print the clues, read the directions to students, and you’re ready to play! No prep needed. This math escape room is completely print and go.
⭐Explore More Video Game Mysteries by Grade or Skill:⭐
Math Cases: K | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Math Facts | K–5 Mini Bundle
Phonics Cases: Kindergarten | 1st | 2nd | CVC
Grammar Cases: Grades 2–3 | Parts of Speech
HOW TO PLAY
- Step 1: Read the directions to students. Give each student a recording sheet/list.
- Step 2: Each time students solve a clue, it will reveal what to cross out on their list.
- Step 3: When students complete all clues, the mystery will be solved and the answer will be revealed!
INCLUDED SKILLS:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- 2 Step Word Problems
- Multi-Step Word Problems
- Rigorous Content
- Error Analysis
TWO EXTRA FACT FLUENCY MYSTERIES
Do you have students who need math fact practice? There are 2 extra mysteries included: addition and subtraction facts to 20 and multiplication and division facts to 12.
While some students work on the two step word problems mystery, other students could work on one of the fact fluency mysteries. Same suspects, same conclusion, but different types of questions. It’s a great way to differentiate in small groups if you would like students to practice different levels of math skills.
3 AND 5 CLUE OPTIONS
Every mystery comes with a short 3-clue option or a longer 5-clue option, so you can easily adjust the length based on how much time you want the activity to take.
PRINT AND DIGITAL
Choose between print-and-go or a digital version in Google Slides. Both are easy to assign in Google Classroom and perfect for teachers working with copy limits.
FAST FINISHER ACTIVITY
If students finish early, hand them a certificate of completion and one of 6 directed drawings to complete while their classmates keep working.
WHY TEACHERS LOVE THESE:
- Print and go
- No prep
- Digital option (Google Slides)
- Fun and engaging
- Easy to differentiate
- Builds critical thinking
- 3 clue and 5 clue options
- Aligns with math standards
- Perfect for review
HOW TO USE:
- On grade level: Partner/group activity, in center rotations, whole group, homework, math packets, morning work, and more
- Remediation: Use in small groups with teacher support
- Enrichment: Give to students to complete independently
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION (FAQ):
Do these come with 3 clues or 5 clues?
Both! Choose the 3 clue or 5 clue version based on your students’ needs, or use both to differentiate. Since both versions lead to the same culprit, students won’t know they received different assignments.
How do I use this with my students?
You can use this activity with the whole class, in small groups, with partners, leave it for a substitute in your sub plans, assign as homework, or as an independent work packet for fast finishers. Simply choose the print or digital version and let students begin solving the clues!
Are Math Cases the same as Reading Cases?
No! The math and reading versions use completely different clues, practice different skills, and reveal different culprits. The starting list of suspects is the only part they share. Students can complete both the math and reading versions without solving the same mystery twice! Check out the previews for a closer look at the differences.
How long does it take to complete this activity?
Completion time depends on the version, skill, students’ ability levels, and whether they are working with or without teacher support. The 3-clue version works well when time is limited, while the 5-clue version provides a longer activity. Complete the case in one sitting or spread the clues across several days. After trying one, you’ll have a better sense of the pacing that works best for your class!
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.
This resource includes 3 versions. What is the difference between the main skill version and the fact fluency versions?
All 3 versions follow the same storyline and format, but each one practices different skills: the main skill, addition and subtraction facts, or multiplication and division facts. This allows you to choose the best version for each student and provide differentiation without drawing attention to different assignments. If you would like students to complete a mystery that leads to a new ending, the reading mysteries have completely different clues and endings!
What should students do if they finish early?
Students who finish early can complete an included directed drawing while their classmates continue working. A certificate of completion is included for every student. You can also have fast finishers complete unfinished assignments or read independently.
MORE 3RD GRADE MATH CASES TO SOLVE:
- Dinosaur Mystery: Add and Subtract to 1000
- Magic Mystery: Distributive Property
- Donut Mystery: Division Strategies
- Pirate Mystery: Multiplication & Division Missing Factors
- Space Mystery: Multiplication Strategies
- Sports Mystery: Round to Nearest 10 & 100
- School Mystery: Back to School Math Review
- Halloween Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Thanksgiving Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Christmas Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Winter Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Pet Shop Mystery: Multiplication and Division Word Problems
- Video Game Mystery: Multi-Step Word Problems
- Restaurant Mystery: Multiply by Tens
- Valentine’s Day Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Zoo Mystery: Geometry
- Missing Princess Mystery: Area and Perimeter
- Race Car Mystery: Area and Perimeter Missing Sides
- Leprechaun Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Theme Park Mystery: Rectilinear Area
- Under the Sea Mystery: Fractions on Number Lines
- Easter Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Spring Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Rock Star Mystery: Identify Fractions
- Safari Mystery: Equivalent Fractions & Comparing Fractions
- Around the World Mystery: 3rd Grade Fraction Review
- Summer Mystery: 3rd Grade Math Review
- Camping Mystery: Measure with Rulers to the ¼ Inch
- Mailman Mystery: Tell Time to the Minute
- Box Mystery: Elapsed Time
- ALL 3rd Grade Mysteries
Do you need a different skill or theme? Check out the free mystery guide to find what you need!
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