This 2nd grade math mystery is an easy-to-use zoo activity that both the teacher and student will enjoy! Students complete zoo themed geometry worksheets (second grade shapes) while solving a mystery at the same time.
$6.00
Zoo math mystery 2nd grade activities are the perfect way to have students practice the skill: geometry. This resource turns learning into a storyline that feels like a second 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 zoo math worksheets for 2nd 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 focused while practicing skills. This second grade zoo math mystery transforms worksheets into an interactive game where every problem brings students closer to solving the mystery.
No prep required – just print and go
Exciting storyline – discover who the culprit or what the missing location was
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 they must can solve math clues to solve the mystery.
Complete Worksheets – Each page practices a variety of math skills.
Cross Off Suspects – Students eliminate suspects from their list as they solve.
Reveal the Answer – When all clues are finished, the mystery is solved and the culprit is revealed!
This step-by-step process makes practice engaging while building confidence.
The zoo math mystery 2nd grade worksheets (aka math clues!) focus on:
These worksheets give students meaningful practice in a fun and memorable way.
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? A bonus mystery is included that focuses on addition and subtraction facts to 20. While the rest of the class completes the main mystery, higher-level students can work on this extra challenge.
This 2nd grade math activity is ready in two easy-to-use formats:
Printable Worksheets (PDF) – Perfect for whole-class lessons, small groups, or centers.
Digital Google Slides Version – Great for assigning in Google Classroom and easy to use with limited printing.
Both versions make it simple to keep students engaged during your teaching unit.
There are many ways to use this math mystery 2nd 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 zoo math mystery goes beyond worksheets—it turns review into an interactive experience.
Print-and-go with no prep
Fun and motivating for students
Builds problem-solving and critical thinking
Easy to differentiate for all learners
Aligned with 2nd grade math standards
Perfect for room transformations or everyday review
This zoo math mystery 2nd grade activity is a fun way to practice math skills. With multiple versions, two mysteries included, and both print and digital formats, it’s flexible enough to fit any classroom. Students will love solving the clues to discover the final answer, and teachers will appreciate how quick and easy it is to use.
Make math review effective, simple, and fun with this escape room style activity. Your students will feel like detectives while reinforcing essential 2nd 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! Second 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 familiar, 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 mystery look the same?
The main mystery and the extra mystery 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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