Description
Help clean up the planet with this Earth Day Math 2nd Grade Activity! ‘The Case of the Litterbug’ is a high-engagement activity that makes reviewing addition word problems and geometry 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 to set the stage!
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).
Earth Day Math 2nd Grade Activity
To find the Litterbug, students must unlock five clues by correctly solving a complete math review:
- Clue 1: Addition Word Problems (Reading comprehension integration)
- Clue 2: Making 65 (Fill in the missing number using addition/subtraction)
- Clue 3: Balancing Subtraction Equations (1-digit and 2-digit numbers)
- Clue 4: Properties of 2D & 3D Shapes (Counting edges, vertices, and faces)
- Clue 5: Adding Multiples of 10 and 100
Flexible for Any 2nd Grade Classroom
Use this versatile Earth Day math worksheets alternative for:
- A fun spiral review
- 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 2nd Grade Math Review
Q: What skills does this mystery cover?
A: This is a comprehensive review. Students will practice solving word problems, identifying properties of 2D and 3D shapes, and balancing equations.
Q: Is this better than a normal worksheet?
A: Absolutely. Standard Earth Day math worksheets can be dry. This activity adds a narrative, a suspect list, and video hooks to keep students motivated to solve every problem.
Other Grade Editions Available!
Love this ‘Litterbug’ theme? This mystery is also available for other grade levels (great for differentiation)!
A complete answer key and printable awards are included!
Frequently Asked Questions & Extras
- How long does a Math Mystery usually take to complete? Most of my mysteries are designed to take approximately 40–60 minutes. This can vary depending on whether students work individually or in pairs. Many teachers also love using them as a “Friday Fun” activity or breaking them up over two shorter sessions.
- Is there any prep involved? I know how busy you are, so I keep it “Print & Go.” There is no cutting, laminating, or complex setup required. Just print the clue pages and the opening story, and you are ready to start the investigation!
- What is a Math Mystery? How do I use them in the classroom or homeschool? <Check out this blog post to read more about how to use these teaching resources>
- How does differentiation work with these? That’s our secret weapon! Many of our stories are available for other grades, so you can “clue swap.” We even have a blog post explaining how: learn how to differentiate here.
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