Description
This zoo mystery makes math fact fluency practice feel like an adventure! It’s a math escape room in disguise for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. You get 2 versions: addition and subtraction facts within 20 or multiplication and division facts to 12. Instead of regular math worksheets, student detectives crack the code, follow the clues, and solve the case in this animal math activity. Having addition and subtraction math fact review or multiplication and division math fact review makes 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 zoo animal classroom transformation.
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WHAT IS THIS?
Students solve a set of clues to crack The Case of the Missing Zoo Animal. 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 Zoo 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 and Subtraction to 20 (Option #1)
- Multiplication and Division to 12 (Option #2)
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, they can choose from 6 included directed drawings while their classmates continue working. A certificate of completion is also included for every student.
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.
What is the difference between the 2 skills?
Both versions follow the same storyline and format, but each one practices different skills: 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 MATH FACT FLUENCY CASES TO SOLVE:
- Box
- Camping
- Christmas
- Dinosaur
- Donut
- Easter
- Halloween
- Mailman
- Missing Princess
- Missing Wand
- New Pet
- Ocean
- Pirate
- Race Car
- Restaurant
- Rock Star
- Safari
- School
- Space
- Sports
- Spring
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Summer
- Thanksgiving
- Theme Park
- Travel
- Valentine’s Day
- Video Game
- Winter
- Zoo
- All Fact Fluency Mysteries
Do you need a different skill or theme? Check out the free mystery guide to find what you need!
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