1st Grade Math Mystery Spring April Math Review Add & Subtract within 20 + More

What others say

"I can not brag more on this mystery pack! I did 100% nothing!! It was so fun and the engaging video hook and closure was EVERYTHING. The most literal print and go I have ever purchased!! GET THIS!"

Jennifer B.

Description

Make your April math block FUN with this captivating "Case of the April Alien Ambush" Math Mystery! Looking for an engaging way to bring some "out of this world" vibes to your math block? This 1st Grade Math Review uses agent gnomes, alien technology, and a "Color Restoration" theme to keep engagement high all month long!

It is the perfect Spring/Space-themed math activity to practice addition and subtraction within 20 mastery, word problems, place value, comparing double-digit numbers, and telling time.

APRIL MATH MYSTERY: THE CASE OF THE APRIL ALIEN AMBUSH

(1ST GRADE EDITION)

Get your students engaged with a high-stakes investigation! "The Case of the April Alien Ambush" is an exciting math mystery where students solve clues to identify the imposter gnome agent in the G.I.B. who helped the aliens steal the Earth's color. This packet is a targeted review of spring 1st Grade Common Core standards, making it the perfect engaging math center or whole-class review.

MATH SKILLS INVOLVED:

Clue 1: Addition and Subtraction within 20 Mastery (including a mix of missing addends, and adding three single-digit numbers, too).
Clue 2: Place Value - Tens and Ones with a fun Alien theme
Clue 3: Addition and Subtraction Word Problems (within 20)
Clue 4: Comparing Double-Digit Numbers
Clue 5: Read and Write Time (o'Clock and Half-Past only)

HOW IT WORKS:

Students read the mystery story (or watch the video hook) about a stolen Chromatic Core from the Gnomes in Black (G.I.B.) agency. They must complete five math worksheets to unlock clues. Each clue helps them eliminate suspects until only the imposter gnome agent remains!

EASY TO PREP!

Printable PDF: "No Prep" design—just print, copy, and distribute! Perfect for sub tubs.
Video Hook & Ending: Watch on a smartboard, tablet, or computer to set the stage and celebrate the win.
Digital Google Slides™: A ready-to-go option included for paperless classrooms. (Please use 'edit' mode to enter answers).
Available via EASEL: For easy digital completion.
Requires no extra props or setup. Just print and go!

INCLUDED IN YOUR DOWNLOAD:

Video Hook & Ending: Set the stage with an exciting animated story and celebrate the win with a fun ending video (voiceovers included)! Check out the video hook in the preview section.
Printable PDF: Easy "Print & Go" worksheets.
Google Slides: Digital version included for 1:1 classrooms.
Answer Key: Detailed keys for quick grading.
Printable Awards: Celebrate your students' success as Lead Detectives!

PERFECT FOR:

April Math Centers
Spring/Space-Themed Math Review
Spiral Review / Test Prep
Fun Friday Activity
Sub Tubs (Easy Prep!)

🏆 WHY TEACHERS LOVE IT:

Easy Prep: Just print and solve!
Self-Checking: The "Crack the Code" nature allows students to self-correct.
High Engagement: Even reluctant mathematicians love solving the mystery.
Feels like a game, but there is significant math practice and consolidation involved.
Effortless Assessment: The "Crack the Code" format allows you to verify student progress at a glance—if the code is correct, the math is correct.

EASY DIFFERENTIATION:

This mystery is available in other math level packs, so you can pick one that suits your class or homeschool best. Check out my other grade-level editions to "Clue Swap" for students working above or below grade level.

⭐This resource is also included in the 1st Grade Complete Math Mystery Bundle

❤️Check out some other fun 1st Grade Math Mystery resources from my store:

For more ideas, activities, and resources, follow my store (by clicking the little green star) to stay updated on new releases. We can also stay connected via:

Blog
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Thank you!

Jacqui J.

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1st Grade Math Mystery Spring April Math Review Add & Subtract within 20 + More

Name: 1st Grade Math Mystery Spring April Math Review Add & Subtract within 20 + More
Brand: Mrs J's Resource Creations
SKU: 16137963
Price: 4.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Rated 5 out of 5, based on 2 reviews

5.0 (2 ratings)

Mrs J's Resource Creations

41.6k Followers

$4.95

Highlights

Digital downloads

Google Apps, PDF, Video

Grades

1st - 2nd

Subjects

Basic Operations, Place Value, Telling Time

Standards

CCSS1.MD.B.3

CCSS1.NBT.B.2

CCSS1.NBT.B.3

What others say

"I can not brag more on this mystery pack! I did 100% nothing!! It was so fun and the engaging video hook and closure was EVERYTHING. The most literal print and go I have ever purchased!! GET THIS!"

Jennifer B.

Save even more with bundles

April Math Mystery Activity| Spring Review | Differentiated GRADE Bundle 1st-6th

This April Math Mystery Differentiated Bundle contains all grade versions of the Case of the April Alien Ambush (Grades 1-6). This bundle is excellent if you need to differentiate in your classroom, because the clues are interchangeable between the 2nd-6th-grade editions; use the 1st-grade mystery a

Price $15.00Original Price $29.70Save $14.70

COMPLETE 1st Grade Math Mystery Bundle - Fun Math Review Activities

Math Mysteries COMPLETE collection for 1st Grade. This complete math mystery bundle contains all of my math mysteries for Grade 1 up to date! Make math fun and exciting with these engaging activities that will motivate even some of your most reluctant learners.Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or g

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MEGA MRS. J's MATH MYSTERY BUNDLE (GRADES 1 - 6)

Mrs. J's Math Mystery collection from 1st to 6th grade.Grab all of the math mysteries to engage and motivate your students and differentiate across grade levels! FAQ: Will I be adding more math mysteries to this bundle?A: Yes, I will add new 1st-6th Grade Math Mysteries to this bundle until it reach

Price $1046.48Original Price $1745.75Save $699.27

368

Complete Math Mystery Tri-Grade Bundle for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Grade Math Mysteries

This Complete Math Mystery Tri-Grade Bundle contains all of my math mysteries currently in the range available for Grades 1, 2, and 3! Make math fun and exciting by adding a mystery twist to your worksheets. Your students will gain lots of math practice, while also developing their critical thinkin

Price $596.07Original Price $851.50Save $255.43

180

Description

It is the perfect Spring/Space-themed math activity to practice addition and subtraction within 20 mastery, word problems, place value, comparing double-digit numbers, and telling time.

APRIL MATH MYSTERY: THE CASE OF THE APRIL ALIEN AMBUSH

(1ST GRADE EDITION)

MATH SKILLS INVOLVED:

Clue 1: Addition and Subtraction within 20 Mastery (including a mix of missing addends, and adding three single-digit numbers, too).
Clue 2: Place Value - Tens and Ones with a fun Alien theme
Clue 3: Addition and Subtraction Word Problems (within 20)
Clue 4: Comparing Double-Digit Numbers
Clue 5: Read and Write Time (o'Clock and Half-Past only)

HOW IT WORKS:

EASY TO PREP!

Printable PDF: "No Prep" design—just print, copy, and distribute! Perfect for sub tubs.
Video Hook & Ending: Watch on a smartboard, tablet, or computer to set the stage and celebrate the win.
Digital Google Slides™: A ready-to-go option included for paperless classrooms. (Please use 'edit' mode to enter answers).
Available via EASEL: For easy digital completion.
Requires no extra props or setup. Just print and go!

INCLUDED IN YOUR DOWNLOAD:

Video Hook & Ending: Set the stage with an exciting animated story and celebrate the win with a fun ending video (voiceovers included)! Check out the video hook in the preview section.
Printable PDF: Easy "Print & Go" worksheets.
Google Slides: Digital version included for 1:1 classrooms.
Answer Key: Detailed keys for quick grading.
Printable Awards: Celebrate your students' success as Lead Detectives!

PERFECT FOR:

April Math Centers
Spring/Space-Themed Math Review
Spiral Review / Test Prep
Fun Friday Activity
Sub Tubs (Easy Prep!)

🏆 WHY TEACHERS LOVE IT:

Easy Prep: Just print and solve!
Self-Checking: The "Crack the Code" nature allows students to self-correct.
High Engagement: Even reluctant mathematicians love solving the mystery.
Feels like a game, but there is significant math practice and consolidation involved.
Effortless Assessment: The "Crack the Code" format allows you to verify student progress at a glance—if the code is correct, the math is correct.

EASY DIFFERENTIATION:

⭐This resource is also included in the 1st Grade Complete Math Mystery Bundle

❤️Check out some other fun 1st Grade Math Mystery resources from my store:

Jacqui J.

Report this resource to TPT

Reported resources will be reviewed by our team. Report this resource to let us know if this resource violates TPT's content guidelines.

5.0

Rated 5 out of 5, based on 2 reviews

2
ratings

All verified TPT purchases

1st Grade Math Mystery

Rated 5 out of 5

May 23, 2026

Met expectations

Great value

Standards-aligned

I can not brag more on this mystery pack! I did 100% nothing!! It was so fun and the engaging video hook and closure was EVERYTHING. The most literal print and go I have ever purchased!! GET THIS!

Jennifer B.

40 reviews • Tennessee

Grades taught: 1st

Great Resource

Rated 5 out of 5

May 1, 2026

Met expectations

Great value

Standards-aligned

My students loved this math mystery. They were collaborating and engaged the entire time.

Andria R.

3,595 reviews • North Carolina

Grades taught: 1st, 2nd

Questions & Answers

Standards

to see state-specific standards (only available in the US).

CCSS1.MD.B.3

Tell and write time in hours and half-hours using analog and digital clocks.

CCSS1.NBT.B.2

Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones. Understand the following as special cases:

CCSS1.NBT.B.3

Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.