Description

Bring the wild into your classroom with this Addition and Subtraction Math Mystery 3rd Grade activity! ‘The Case of the Jungle Joker’ is a high-engagement math review that makes practicing regrouping and balancing equations far more exciting than a standard worksheet.

It’s the perfect no-prep math activity! This resource is loaded with options, including an optional video hook and a NEW ending video (with voiceovers!) to wrap up the case!

Easy Prep for Print or Digital

This resource is designed to be low-prep for you and high-engagement for your students.

• Printable PDF Version: Just print the worksheets, staple, and go.
• Google Slides Digital Version: 100% paperless! Simply assign in Google Classroom. (Students must be in ‘edit mode’ to type).

Addition and Subtraction Math Mystery 3rd Grade Activity

To catch the Jungle Joker, students must unlock five clues by correctly solving a complete math review:

• Clue 1: Balancing Addition Equations (Equality)
• Clue 2: Addition with Regrouping (Adding 2-digit to 3-digit numbers)
• Clue 3: Subtraction with Regrouping (Subtracting 2-digit from 3-digit numbers)
• Clue 4: Missing Addends (Finding the unknown number)
• Clue 5: Mixed Addition & Subtraction (Triple-digit with regrouping)

Flexible for Any 3rd Grade Classroom

Use this versatile addition and subtraction review for:

• A fun end-of-unit assessment
• Math centers or stations
• Homework or enrichment
• Your “early finisher” tub
• A lifesaver for your sub-tub!

Pacing & Timing

This is a comprehensive review that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2+ hours, depending on your students’ skill level. We recommend pacing it by one clue at a time.

Common Questions for this 3rd Grade Math Review

Q: What skills does this mystery cover?
A: This mystery focuses on Addition and Subtraction within 1,000. It places a heavy emphasis on regrouping and algebraic thinking (solving for missing addends and balancing equations).

Q: Is this suitable for test prep?
A: Yes! Because it covers critical skills like regrouping and finding missing numbers, it is an excellent resource for reviewing before standardized testing.

Q: How does differentiation work with these?
A: That’s our secret weapon! Many of our stories are available for other grades, so you can “clue swap” with the 2-6 grade packs. We even have a blog post explaining how: learn how to differentiate here.

Other Grade Editions Available!

Love this ‘Jungle Joker’ theme? This mystery is also available for other grade levels (great for differentiation)!

• Kindergarten Edition
• 1st Grade Edition
• 2nd Grade Edition
• 4th Grade Edition
• 5th Grade Edition

---

A complete answer key and printable awards are included!