How To Solve Math Mysteries? New Instructional Video

I've recently released a short video clip to help introduce your students to Math Mysteries. If it is their first time completing a math mystery, especially via online distance learning, it might be a little daunting. I hope this video helps assist you in your instruction when assigning a math mystery in the classroom or online. You can view and download the video free within this post.

This video is text-based, but your students can pause to read if they need to or ask a teacher/parent to assist them.

instructional_video_-_math_mysteries_updated_2.mp4
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The main points for students to remember when solving Math Mysteries:

• They MUST complete all of the five clues to have enough evidence to convict a suspect of a crime or to declare any mystery solution (sometimes it's a place, cure, or scenario depending on which mystery you are completing).
•  Most clues involve cracking a clue message by using math answers with corresponding letters to unlock the code.
• The other common type of clue page you might come across in some of the mysteries is an elimination of a clue grid. For these clue pages, students must match their answers with boxed clues and eliminating them. The last clue box remaining that doesn't match with an answer is the 'real' clue to apply.
• Clues will not always say what to cross off. Sometimes they will hint as to what to keep on the list; thus, eliminate the alternative instead.
• Critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills are required to solve these mysteries.
• On the list of possibilities, delete WHOLE rows at a time.
• The last row remaining on the list is the solution. 
• If using the 1st Grade Editions, the List of Possibilities will not be in table format, instead they are in profiles. Whole profiles must be eliminated based on the clues given. 

If your students continue to need help with solving these, I recommend completing a clue or two as a class until they get the hang of it.

Never used a Math Mystery before? Want to try a FREE packet?
Click the links below to grab a FREE Math Mystery download
(Printable and Digital Google Slides)
Please note that the grades are guides only and may vary depending on your curriculum. Check the product description for math skills covered in a pack.

FREE Spiral Review Math Mystery: Case of the Super bad Superhero - 1st Grade Edition

$0.00

FREE Spiral Review Math Mystery: the Case of the Super Bad Superhero -1st Grade Edition. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs option provided within your download.

NEW - Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Doc link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive. Parts of the pages are editable so that your students can complete without having to print the pages. Please note, you will need to make a copy of the Google Slides to your drive before you can edit.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

FREE Math Mystery: Case of the Super Bad Superhero - 2nd Grade Edition

$0.00

FREE Math Mystery: the Case of the Super Bad Superhero This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs option provided within your download.

NEW - Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Doc link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive. Parts of the pages are editable so that your students can complete without having to print the pages. Please note, you will need to make a copy of the Google Slides to your drive before you can edit.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

FREE Math Mystery: Case of the Super Bad Superhero - 3rd Grade Edition

$0.00

FREE Math Mystery: the Case of the Super Bad Superhero. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs option provided within your download.

NEW - Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Doc link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive. Parts of the pages are editable so that your students can complete without having to print the pages. Please note, you will need to make a copy of the Google Slides to your drive before you can edit.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

Free Math Mystery: Case of the Super Bad Superhero - 4th Grade Edition

$0.00

Free Math Mystery: the Case of the Super Bad Superhero. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs option provided within your download.

NEW - Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Doc link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive. Parts of the pages are editable so that your students can complete without having to print the pages. Please note, you will need to make a copy of the Google Slides to your drive before you can edit.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

Free Math Mystery: Case of the Super Bad Superhero - 5th Grade Edition

$0.00

Free Math Mystery: the Case of the Super Bad Superhero. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs option provided within your download.

NEW - Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Doc link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive. Parts of the pages are editable so that your students can complete without having to print the pages. Please note, you will need to make a copy of the Google Slides to your drive before you can edit.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

Free Math Mystery: Case of the Super Bad Superhero - 6th Grade Edition

$0.00

Free Math Mystery: the Case of the Super and Superhero. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs option provided within your download.

NEW - Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Doc link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive. Parts of the pages are editable so that your students can complete without having to print the pages. Please note, you will need to make a copy of the Google Slides to your drive before you can edit.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop