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Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
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Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity
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What others say

"My students beg for more of these. They are so excited to work together to try to solve the mysteries!"
star
Valerie R.
"My students loved this activity. It gave them a quick way to practice their math facts in a fun and engaging way."
star
Daniela S.

Description

This addition and subtraction Math Mystery will engage and motivate your students to practice their addition and subtraction skills (within 20). Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Optional video hook included for introducing the case (with a voiceover)! (Check it out in the preview section)

BONUS: Ending video added to wrap up the case!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 them 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.

In Math Mystery: Case of The Great Zoo Escape students must use their math skills to decode five clues and discover who, where, when, what and why in their investigation of the case. Students will need to cut out the picture answer on their clue sheet and paste it into their Mystery Case file until all five have been completed.

Depending on the ability of your students and where your class is up to in the curriculum, this could be used in Grades 1 and/or 2. This is ideal for addition and subtraction within 20 practice.

This fun detective story also encourages literacy skills as students must read simple sentences, comprehend, and match the information given with a text picture stencil to present on their mystery case file.

You can choose to use this resource in a number of ways. Some suggestions are:

• Complete one clue page daily as part of daily math practice or mental math warmup.

• Use as an early finisher task for fast/advanced students.

• Homework practice (1 page per day or week)

• Complete all at once as a whole class (guided/groups/pairs/independently)

5 W's Format

In this math mystery pack you will receive:

  • Teacher Instructions
  • A video hook to set the stage to engage
  • A written version of the intro story, “The Case of The Great Zoo Escape”
  • Math Mystery Case File Template – that students will use as they work through each clue
  • Clue 1 (WHO) – Addition (0-20)
  • Clue 2 (WHERE) – Subtraction (0-20)
  • Clue 3 (WHEN) – Addition (0-20), Time (am/pm, yesterday/today)
  • Clue 4 (WHAT) – Subtraction (0-20)
  • Clue 5 (WHY) – Addition and Subtraction (0-20)
  • A Literacy Extension Activity for optional use post investigation (Write a Letter)
  • Answer Sheets
  • An ENDING video to wrap up the activity
  • Printable awards to give to students who solve the mystery of The Great Zoo Escape!

I hope your students enjoy solving this mystery. Please do not hesitate to email me at JJResourceCreations@gmail.com or use my store Q & A if you need help or have any questions when using this resource.

Thanks!

Mrs J.

This is a different format from my other math mysteries. This is a 5 W's structure that I hope will work well with younger students. If you would prefer something more challenging, or would like math mysteries for other grades/skills you can find more Math Mysteries HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRY A FULL FREE MATH MYSTERY HERE (GRADES 1 - 6 DIFFERENTIATED BUNDLE)

Browse the 1st Grade Range:

>>Download the FREE 1st Grade Math Mystery Checklist here<<

>> CLICK HERE to follow my store <<

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Look for the little green star near my store name and click to follow for updates on new freebies, new math mysteries added, and more!

Your feedback would be appreciated! :) Thanks!

You may also be interested in the following:

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.

Addition and Subtraction (Add & Subtract within 20) Math Mystery Activity

Mrs J's Resource Creations
41.9k Followers
$4.95

Highlights

Standards icon
Standards
Pages
16
Answer Key
Included

What others say

"My students beg for more of these. They are so excited to work together to try to solve the mysteries!"
star
Valerie R.
"My students loved this activity. It gave them a quick way to practice their math facts in a fun and engaging way."
star
Daniela S.

Save even more with bundles

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 &amp; Solve! Or g
Price $203.23Original Price $290.35Save $87.12
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Description

This addition and subtraction Math Mystery will engage and motivate your students to practice their addition and subtraction skills (within 20). Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Optional video hook included for introducing the case (with a voiceover)! (Check it out in the preview section)

BONUS: Ending video added to wrap up the case!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 them 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.

In Math Mystery: Case of The Great Zoo Escape students must use their math skills to decode five clues and discover who, where, when, what and why in their investigation of the case. Students will need to cut out the picture answer on their clue sheet and paste it into their Mystery Case file until all five have been completed.

Depending on the ability of your students and where your class is up to in the curriculum, this could be used in Grades 1 and/or 2. This is ideal for addition and subtraction within 20 practice.

This fun detective story also encourages literacy skills as students must read simple sentences, comprehend, and match the information given with a text picture stencil to present on their mystery case file.

You can choose to use this resource in a number of ways. Some suggestions are:

• Complete one clue page daily as part of daily math practice or mental math warmup.

• Use as an early finisher task for fast/advanced students.

• Homework practice (1 page per day or week)

• Complete all at once as a whole class (guided/groups/pairs/independently)

5 W's Format

In this math mystery pack you will receive:

  • Teacher Instructions
  • A video hook to set the stage to engage
  • A written version of the intro story, “The Case of The Great Zoo Escape”
  • Math Mystery Case File Template – that students will use as they work through each clue
  • Clue 1 (WHO) – Addition (0-20)
  • Clue 2 (WHERE) – Subtraction (0-20)
  • Clue 3 (WHEN) – Addition (0-20), Time (am/pm, yesterday/today)
  • Clue 4 (WHAT) – Subtraction (0-20)
  • Clue 5 (WHY) – Addition and Subtraction (0-20)
  • A Literacy Extension Activity for optional use post investigation (Write a Letter)
  • Answer Sheets
  • An ENDING video to wrap up the activity
  • Printable awards to give to students who solve the mystery of The Great Zoo Escape!

I hope your students enjoy solving this mystery. Please do not hesitate to email me at JJResourceCreations@gmail.com or use my store Q & A if you need help or have any questions when using this resource.

Thanks!

Mrs J.

This is a different format from my other math mysteries. This is a 5 W's structure that I hope will work well with younger students. If you would prefer something more challenging, or would like math mysteries for other grades/skills you can find more Math Mysteries HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRY A FULL FREE MATH MYSTERY HERE (GRADES 1 - 6 DIFFERENTIATED BUNDLE)

Browse the 1st Grade Range:

>>Download the FREE 1st Grade Math Mystery Checklist here<<

>> CLICK HERE to follow my store <<

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Look for the little green star near my store name and click to follow for updates on new freebies, new math mysteries added, and more!

Your feedback would be appreciated! :) Thanks!

You may also be interested in the following:

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.

Reviews

4.9
Rated 4.89 out of 5, based on 1109 reviews
1109
ratings
5
1,013
4
94
3
2
2
0
1
0
Mostly used with 1st and 2nd grades
Reviews
9
25
271
308
68
25
19
PreK
K
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
What customers are saying
Met expectations
100%
Is a great value
100%
Is standards-aligned
100%
All verified TPT purchases
Love this resource
Rated 5 out of 5
July 16, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
My students really enjoyed this activity. It was a good way to get in practice and bolster their addition and subtraction skills.
Kati S.
72 reviews • Arizona
Grades taught: 3rd
Great resource
Rated 5 out of 5
July 1, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
My students love these math mysteries and they are a great way to use their math skills.
Joanne G.
490 reviews • Michigan
Grades taught: 2nd, 3rd
Student populations: Learning difficulties, Mild to severe disabilities
A perfect resource!
Rated 5 out of 5
June 29, 2026
A great review and perfect addition to zoo day for a class that loves math mystery!
Erica J.
329 reviews
Grades taught: 2nd
Another Math Mystery, Another 5 Star Review!
Rated 5 out of 5
June 26, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
Both my kids & I simply LOVE these math mysteries! I use them mostly with my enrichment/gifted students, but it's not to say they can't be used with then entire class, depending on how you use it. Seriously, this is just one of MANY math mysteries I have! These math mysteries are such an engaging and effective way to reinforce math skills! My students love the problem-solving aspect and stay highly motivated as they work through each clue. It’s a fun, interactive resource that keeps learning exciting while reviewing important concepts. Definitely a favorite in my classroom! THANK YOU!!
Jennifer H.
572 reviews • Florida
Grades taught: 1st
Wonderful Resource!
Rated 5 out of 5
June 7, 2026
This was a great resource in my SPED class! Highly recommend!
Kaitlyn C.
51 reviews
Grades taught: PreK, K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Everyone loves these!
Rated 5 out of 5
May 24, 2026
My students beg for more of these. They are so excited to work together to try to solve the mysteries!
Valerie Radloff
(TPT Seller)
117 reviews • Michigan
Grades taught: 1st, 2nd
Engaging Lesson
Rated 5 out of 5
May 14, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
My first graders loved it! We loved how it incorporated the who, what, when, where, and why too!
Stephanie N.
1 review • Arkansas
Grades taught: 1st
Easy to use
Rated 5 out of 5
April 24, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
My students loved this activity. It gave them a quick way to practice their math facts in a fun and engaging way.
Daniela Sutton
(TPT Seller)
154 reviews • Ohio
Grades taught: 2nd
Student populations: Autism, Learning difficulties, Mild to severe disabilities

Questions & Answers

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Standards

to see state-specific standards (only available in the US).
Tell and write time from analog and digital clocks to the nearest five minutes, using a.m. and p.m.
Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13).
Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies. By end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.
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