Description

Preparation
– Easy Prep! Print the student pages, staple or place in a folder, and your students are ready to start the math game of solving the mystery.
– Have the mystery video hook ready for viewing at the start of the lesson on an IWB, iPad or computer monitor screen.
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Math Skills Required to Unlock Clues
There are five clues to crack to solve the mystery:
Clue 1: Adding Fractions (with both LIKE and UNLIKE denominators. Simplifying answers required)
Clue 2: Balance Addition Equations (3-digit and 4-digit numbers)
Clue 3: Addition Input/Output Tables – apply the rule e.g. b = 100 + a (3-digit and 4-digit Numbers)
Clue 4: Addition Algorithms (4-6 digit numbers.)
Clue 5: Adding Decimals (tenths and hundredths)

Students must use critical thinking skills to figure out what the clue is telling them to eliminate from the list of possibilities.

Videos

⭐Optional video hook included for introducing the case!

⭐BONUS: Ending video added to wrap up the case!

Multiple Uses
– Suitable for independent, pairs, or group work.
– Use as part of your math centers, add to your sub tubs, make it part of your early finisher tasks, give for homework, or make it part of your classroom practice/review sessions.

Suggestion
I recommend pacing this activity by giving students one clue at a time. Once the whole class has completed a clue, then move on to the next clue, either within the same lesson or the next math session. New math content presented? Make a lesson out of it by modeling the math before diving into the clue. I like to say, “We must learn something new before attempting the next clue.”
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How long will this activity take?
The time to complete this math activity will vary, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours or more! It mainly depends on how familiar your students are with the math mystery game format, as well as how difficult they find the math skills covered in the particular mystery. Please check the math skills outlined in the clues above to help determine suitability for your class.
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Answer key included!
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Please note that the Grade 1 Math Mysteries cannot be ‘clue swapped’ with other Grade Math Mystery versions for customization/differentiation as you usually can with Grades 2-6.
Mrs. J.
© 2018