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Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
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Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game
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What others say

"I love this resource. My students are so excited when we do these math mysteries. Fantastic for holidays!"
star
Erica G.
"Mrs. J's Math Mysteries are my go-to activity for early finishers and fun Fridays. The students love the mysteries and I love that they are practicing math while having a good time."
star
Tammy P.

Description

Back to School Math Mystery: the Case of The School Invaders -2nd Grade Edition. Students must review math skills from the previous grade to help get rid of the stinky, slimy Geometron aliens invading Mathhattan Elementary School!

Easy prep!

  • Printable PDF - print, copy, solve!
  • Digital worksheets with Google Slides or EASEL

Students must use their math skills to unlock clues. The clues will help them eliminate locations to find where the aliens' transponder is!

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

Optional video hook included for introducing the case!

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO HOOK! or check out in the preview section.

⭐Due to several requests, now there is the option to use a video hook that says TARGET: 'Your School' instead of TARGET: Mathhattan Elementary. I've added an editable story page for you to add your school's name in the reading section too.

Ending Video Clip also included to wrap up the mystery!

>> UPDATE: The videos now come with voiceovers to narrate the text

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

Math Skills Required to Unlock Clues

There are five clues to crack to solve the mystery:

  • Clue 1: Adding 1 (Numbers 1-12)
  • Clue 2: Subtracting 1, 2, and 3 (From Numbers 1-15)
  • Clue 3: Comparing Numbers (Circle the greater number out of the two given. This starts off with low numbers and ends with a few larger numbers.)
  • Clue 4: Ordering Numbers (Numbers 1 - 25)
  • Clue 5: Adding Doubles

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

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

Multiple Uses

- Consolidation

- Practice and Review

- Math Centers

- Early Finishers

- Substitute Teachers

- Assessment for learning

- Homework

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

How long will this activity take?

Time to complete varies depending on your student's familiarity with the math mystery format and the skills required to unlock clues. You can pace it out by completing one clue a day --> there are five clues!

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

If you would like more challenging math skills, select a higher grade-level version of this mystery.

This Back to School Math Mystery activity is also available for the other grade levels listed below:

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 1

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 2

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 3

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 4

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 5

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 6

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

Add extra motivation with this Detective Rank Chart Download the Mystery Record & Rank Chart FREEBIE HERE

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

Bundle and Save!

COMPLETE Math Mystery Bundle for GRADE 2

HOLIDAY Math Mystery Bundle {GRADE 2}

SEASONS Math Mystery Bundle Pack (GRADE 2)

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

Not sure what a math mystery is? CLICK HERE to watch a video about Math Mysteries

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


Browse the 2nd Grade Range:

>>Download the FREE 2nd Grade Math Mystery Checklist here<<

>> CLICK HERE to follow 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

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram @mrsjsresourcecreations

__________________________________________________________________

>>CLICK HERE to follow my store <<

Thank you!

Mrs. J.

© 2018

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.

Back to School Math Mystery Activity - 2nd Grade Beginning of the Year Game

Mrs J's Resource Creations
41.8k Followers
$4.95

Highlights

Digital downloads
Grades icon
Grades
Standards icon
Standards
Pages
16
Answer Key
Included

What others say

"I love this resource. My students are so excited when we do these math mysteries. Fantastic for holidays!"
star
Erica G.
"Mrs. J's Math Mysteries are my go-to activity for early finishers and fun Fridays. The students love the mysteries and I love that they are practicing math while having a good time."
star
Tammy P.

Save even more with bundles

Math Mysteries for the holidays' bundle! 2nd Grade Edition. These fun math mystery activities will get your students excited about doing math review! Save time and money with this Math Mystery HOLIDAY bundle for 2nd Grade!Easy prep! Just Print &amp; Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs op
Price $89.78Original Price $128.25Save $38.47
26
Math Mysteries the COMPLETE 2nd Grade Collection! This complete math mystery bundle contains all of my math mysteries for Grade 2 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 $200.78Original Price $286.80Save $86.02
62
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 $1067.25Original Price $1780.40Save $713.15
375

Description

Back to School Math Mystery: the Case of The School Invaders -2nd Grade Edition. Students must review math skills from the previous grade to help get rid of the stinky, slimy Geometron aliens invading Mathhattan Elementary School!

Easy prep!

  • Printable PDF - print, copy, solve!
  • Digital worksheets with Google Slides or EASEL

Students must use their math skills to unlock clues. The clues will help them eliminate locations to find where the aliens' transponder is!

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

Optional video hook included for introducing the case!

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO HOOK! or check out in the preview section.

⭐Due to several requests, now there is the option to use a video hook that says TARGET: 'Your School' instead of TARGET: Mathhattan Elementary. I've added an editable story page for you to add your school's name in the reading section too.

Ending Video Clip also included to wrap up the mystery!

>> UPDATE: The videos now come with voiceovers to narrate the text

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

Math Skills Required to Unlock Clues

There are five clues to crack to solve the mystery:

  • Clue 1: Adding 1 (Numbers 1-12)
  • Clue 2: Subtracting 1, 2, and 3 (From Numbers 1-15)
  • Clue 3: Comparing Numbers (Circle the greater number out of the two given. This starts off with low numbers and ends with a few larger numbers.)
  • Clue 4: Ordering Numbers (Numbers 1 - 25)
  • Clue 5: Adding Doubles

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

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

Multiple Uses

- Consolidation

- Practice and Review

- Math Centers

- Early Finishers

- Substitute Teachers

- Assessment for learning

- Homework

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

How long will this activity take?

Time to complete varies depending on your student's familiarity with the math mystery format and the skills required to unlock clues. You can pace it out by completing one clue a day --> there are five clues!

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

If you would like more challenging math skills, select a higher grade-level version of this mystery.

This Back to School Math Mystery activity is also available for the other grade levels listed below:

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 1

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 2

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 3

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 4

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 5

Case of the School Invaders - Grade 6

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

Add extra motivation with this Detective Rank Chart Download the Mystery Record & Rank Chart FREEBIE HERE

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

Bundle and Save!

COMPLETE Math Mystery Bundle for GRADE 2

HOLIDAY Math Mystery Bundle {GRADE 2}

SEASONS Math Mystery Bundle Pack (GRADE 2)

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

Not sure what a math mystery is? CLICK HERE to watch a video about Math Mysteries

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


Browse the 2nd Grade Range:

>>Download the FREE 2nd Grade Math Mystery Checklist here<<

>> CLICK HERE to follow 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

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram @mrsjsresourcecreations

__________________________________________________________________

>>CLICK HERE to follow my store <<

Thank you!

Mrs. J.

© 2018

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 657 reviews
657
ratings
5
602
4
54
3
1
2
0
1
0
Mostly used with 2nd grade
Reviews
6
8
24
270
42
17
6
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
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
Excellent Resource!
Rated 5 out of 5
June 19, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
I love this resource. My students are so excited when we do these math mysteries. Fantastic for holidays!
Erica G.
202 reviews • Nevada
Grades taught: 2nd
love mystery
Rated 5 out of 5
May 22, 2026
the kids love these packets and works great for long term sub plans
J H.
56 reviews
Grades taught: 3rd, 4th, 5th
Student populations: Mild to severe disabilities
Well Crafted
Rated 5 out of 5
May 13, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
Love the variety of activities and concepts selected
Samantha Cooley
(TPT Seller)
489 reviews • Oregon
Grades taught: PreK, K, 1st, 2nd
Fast Finisher Fun
Rated 5 out of 5
May 12, 2026
My students love doing these as a fast finisher activity!
Kathryn K.
162 reviews • Maryland
Grades taught: 2nd
Fun and Engaging!
Rated 5 out of 5
May 4, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
This was a great help in class. The kids loved it. Thank you for making it available!
Alison Gert
(TPT Seller)
1,192 reviews • Outside the United States
Grades taught: 6th, 7th, 8th
Always Fun Mysteries
Rated 5 out of 5
May 1, 2026
My students always love these fun math mysteries. They are very engaging.
Gena M.
239 reviews • Florida
Grades taught: PreK, K, 1st, 2nd
Great Resource!
Rated 5 out of 5
April 21, 2026
Great resource! Easy to use and my students loved it. Thank you!
1,348 reviews • Massachusetts
Grades taught: PreK, K, 1st, 2nd

Questions & Answers

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Standards

to see state-specific standards (only available in the US).
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
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).
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