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5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
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5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI
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What others say

"My class always loves when there is a Math Mystery! They are engaging and help to reinforce the skills we've been working on."
star
Mariel Q.
"Great resource! Well-organized, easy to use, and saved me valuable prep time. My students were engaged and able to follow along easily. I appreciate the quality and clear instructions—definitely something I’ll use again!"
star
Renee S.

Description

This Christmas Math Mystery, the 'Case of the Zombie Elves' (5th Grade Edition) will add an exciting twist to your math sessions.Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

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 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.

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

There is an optional Video Hook available to introduce this activity to your students in a fun way. Check it out in the preview thumbnail section or

>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW Case of The Zombie Elves VIDEO HOOK! <<

>>>Includes a Bonus ending video clip to wrap up the case after solving the mystery!

Students must use their math skills to eliminate possibilities so they can discover the correct cure for the zombie virus plaguing the North Pole!

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

Preparation

- Print the student pages, staple or place in a folder, and your students are set to go.

Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

- Have the video hook ready for viewing at the start of the

lesson on an IWB, iPad or computer monitor screen.

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

Math Skills Required to Unlock Clues

There are five clues to crack to solve the mystery:

Clue 1: Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators (Simplifying Answers Required)

Clue 2: Multiplying Decimals by Powers of 10

Clue 3: Convert Units of Measurement (Length) – Customary (in, ft, yd, mi) and Metric (mm, cm, m, km) Options are provided to choose from. Answers are different, but clue revealed is the same.

Clue 4: Dividing Whole Numbers - Word Problems

Clue 5: Convert Mixed Number Fractions to Improper Fractions

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

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

Multiple Uses

- Suitable for independent, pairs, or group work.

- Use as part of your math centers, add to your sub tubs, make it part of your early finisher tasks, give for homework, or make it part of your classroom practice/review sessions.

I recommend pacing this activity by giving students one clue at a time. Once the whole class has completed a clue, then move on to the next clue either within the same lesson or the next math session. New math content presented? Make a lesson out of it by modeling the math before diving into the clue. I like to say, "we must learn something new before attempting the next clue."

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

How long will this activity take?

Time to complete will vary anywhere between 30mins - 2 hours or more! It mainly depends on how familiar your students are with the math mystery format, as well as how difficult they find math skills covered in the particular mystery. Please check the math skills outlined in the clues above to help determine suitability for your class.

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

Want different math skills?

The Case of the Zombie Elves is available in the other Grade editions listed below. Click to check out the math skills covered in each packet.

Differentiation and Important Note about the other Grade Editions when the Mystery is the SAME Story Title:

The clues are the same in the other grades if the mystery story is the same. The math is what is different between the grade packs. I designed the mysteries this way to enable differentiating the task within your classroom (without your kids knowing that they might have an easier or harder version than their peers.) You can also 'clue swap' across grades (except for the Kindergarten & 1st grade version) as long as the clue number is the same if you find that you'd prefer the math skill for a particular clue from a different grade edition. For example, swap clue 3 from the 4th grade edition with clue 3 in the 5th grade edition and it will still work the same (just the math will be different). I've added an alternative suspect list to the pack to change the mystery outcome, including two pre-made lists for you to swap out if you want a different mystery solution.

There are many different mystery titles in my store available if you'd like more Math Mysteries with different clues and solutions.

_____________________________________________________

You may also like:

Christmas CSI DIGITAL Mystery for Zombie Elves (Save paper and Santa!)

Christmas Math Mystery: Case of the Selfish Elf (Grade 5)

Christmas Literacy Mystery: Case of the Reckless Reindeer

Christmas Math Quest: Reindeer Round-Up!

New Year Math Mystery: Case of The Millennium Bug (GRADE 5)

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

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 5

Holiday Math Mystery Bundle {GRADE 5}

Seasons Math Mystery Bundle Pack (GRADE 5)

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

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 5th Grade Range:

>>Download the FREE 5th Grade Math Mystery Checklist here<<

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

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

___________________________________________________________________

>> CLICK HERE to follow my store <<

Thank you!

Mrs. J.

© 2016

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.

5th Grade Christmas Activity - Christmas Math Mystery : Zombie Elves CSI

Mrs J's Resource Creations
41.6k Followers
$4.95

Highlights

Digital downloads
Grades icon
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19
Answer Key
Included

What others say

"My class always loves when there is a Math Mystery! They are engaging and help to reinforce the skills we've been working on."
star
Mariel Q.
"Great resource! Well-organized, easy to use, and saved me valuable prep time. My students were engaged and able to follow along easily. I appreciate the quality and clear instructions—definitely something I’ll use again!"
star
Renee S.

Save even more with bundles

This Complete Math Mystery Tri-Grade Bundle contains all of my math mysteries currently in the range available for Grades 4, 5, and 6!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 thinking a
Price $623.17Original Price $890.25Save $267.08
188
Math Mysteries for the HOLIDAYS collection! 5th 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 Grade 5!Easy prep! Just Print &amp; Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs o
Price $92.62Original Price $132.30Save $39.68
27
Math Mystery COMPLETE 5th Grade Edition collection! This complete math mystery bundle contains all of my math mysteries for Grade 5 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
Price $217.81Original Price $311.15Save $93.34
67

Description

This Christmas Math Mystery, the 'Case of the Zombie Elves' (5th Grade Edition) will add an exciting twist to your math sessions.Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

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 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.

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

There is an optional Video Hook available to introduce this activity to your students in a fun way. Check it out in the preview thumbnail section or

>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW Case of The Zombie Elves VIDEO HOOK! <<

>>>Includes a Bonus ending video clip to wrap up the case after solving the mystery!

Students must use their math skills to eliminate possibilities so they can discover the correct cure for the zombie virus plaguing the North Pole!

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

Preparation

- Print the student pages, staple or place in a folder, and your students are set to go.

Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

- Have the video hook ready for viewing at the start of the

lesson on an IWB, iPad or computer monitor screen.

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

Math Skills Required to Unlock Clues

There are five clues to crack to solve the mystery:

Clue 1: Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators (Simplifying Answers Required)

Clue 2: Multiplying Decimals by Powers of 10

Clue 3: Convert Units of Measurement (Length) – Customary (in, ft, yd, mi) and Metric (mm, cm, m, km) Options are provided to choose from. Answers are different, but clue revealed is the same.

Clue 4: Dividing Whole Numbers - Word Problems

Clue 5: Convert Mixed Number Fractions to Improper Fractions

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

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

Multiple Uses

- Suitable for independent, pairs, or group work.

- Use as part of your math centers, add to your sub tubs, make it part of your early finisher tasks, give for homework, or make it part of your classroom practice/review sessions.

I recommend pacing this activity by giving students one clue at a time. Once the whole class has completed a clue, then move on to the next clue either within the same lesson or the next math session. New math content presented? Make a lesson out of it by modeling the math before diving into the clue. I like to say, "we must learn something new before attempting the next clue."

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

How long will this activity take?

Time to complete will vary anywhere between 30mins - 2 hours or more! It mainly depends on how familiar your students are with the math mystery format, as well as how difficult they find math skills covered in the particular mystery. Please check the math skills outlined in the clues above to help determine suitability for your class.

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

Want different math skills?

The Case of the Zombie Elves is available in the other Grade editions listed below. Click to check out the math skills covered in each packet.

Differentiation and Important Note about the other Grade Editions when the Mystery is the SAME Story Title:

The clues are the same in the other grades if the mystery story is the same. The math is what is different between the grade packs. I designed the mysteries this way to enable differentiating the task within your classroom (without your kids knowing that they might have an easier or harder version than their peers.) You can also 'clue swap' across grades (except for the Kindergarten & 1st grade version) as long as the clue number is the same if you find that you'd prefer the math skill for a particular clue from a different grade edition. For example, swap clue 3 from the 4th grade edition with clue 3 in the 5th grade edition and it will still work the same (just the math will be different). I've added an alternative suspect list to the pack to change the mystery outcome, including two pre-made lists for you to swap out if you want a different mystery solution.

There are many different mystery titles in my store available if you'd like more Math Mysteries with different clues and solutions.

_____________________________________________________

You may also like:

Christmas CSI DIGITAL Mystery for Zombie Elves (Save paper and Santa!)

Christmas Math Mystery: Case of the Selfish Elf (Grade 5)

Christmas Literacy Mystery: Case of the Reckless Reindeer

Christmas Math Quest: Reindeer Round-Up!

New Year Math Mystery: Case of The Millennium Bug (GRADE 5)

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

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 5

Holiday Math Mystery Bundle {GRADE 5}

Seasons Math Mystery Bundle Pack (GRADE 5)

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

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 5th Grade Range:

>>Download the FREE 5th Grade Math Mystery Checklist here<<

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

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

___________________________________________________________________

>> CLICK HERE to follow my store <<

Thank you!

Mrs. J.

© 2016

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 4.87 out of 5, based on 497 reviews
497
ratings
5
464
4
31
3
2
2
0
1
0
Mostly used with 5th grade
Reviews
1
2
12
135
23
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2
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8th
All verified TPT purchases
FUN activity, but LOOOONG!
Rated 5 out of 5
April 15, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
We had so much fun with this BUT for the amount of time I had in class it was way too much work! I used this is a 5th grade collab class, and I had to give them about 1/2 the answers for each page just so they could finish it on time. The video and music were so awesome though! The kids really enjoyed the concept!!
Valerie V.
418 reviews • Texas
Grades taught: 5th
Student populations: Autism, Learning difficulties
Fun and Engaging!
Rated 5 out of 5
March 4, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
This is an excellent resource for both teachers and students! Very engaging!
Pamela C.
1,399 reviews • New York
Grades taught: PreK, K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Great resource
Rated 5 out of 5
February 20, 2026
Great resource to use with middle school. Thank you!
Shanna K.
450 reviews • Wyoming
Grades taught: 6th, 7th, 8th
Student populations: Autism, Learning difficulties, Mild to severe disabilities
Good resource to support the math curriculum used in my school system.
Rated 5 out of 5
February 5, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
Engaging resource that gives students an opportunity to review 5th grade math standards.
Emily Brownlow
(TPT Seller)
173 reviews • Georgia
Grades taught: 5th
Fun Activity Before Winter Break
Rated 5 out of 5
January 26, 2026
This was a fun activity for my students to complete before winter break!
Jessica F.
475 reviews • North Dakota
Grades taught: 5th
We love Math Mysteries!
Rated 5 out of 5
January 15, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
My class always loves when there is a Math Mystery! They are engaging and help to reinforce the skills we've been working on.
Mariel Q.
136 reviews • Pennsylvania
Grades taught: 5th
Student populations: Emerging bilinguals, Learning difficulties
Made Math FUN!
Rated 5 out of 5
January 8, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
My students had so much fun with math, their most hated subject, with this resource! Well done!
Deborah H.
40 reviews
Grades taught: 5th
Student populations: Learning difficulties
Always fun!
Rated 5 out of 5
December 15, 2025
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
My students always love these, and this was great to review before break!
Krista H.
506 reviews
Grades taught: 5th

Questions & Answers

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Standards

to see state-specific standards (only available in the US).
Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system (e.g., convert 5 cm to 0.05 m), and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems.
Explain patterns in the number of zeros of the product when multiplying a number by powers of 10, and explain patterns in the placement of the decimal point when a decimal is multiplied or divided by a power of 10. Use whole-number exponents to denote powers of 10.
Find whole-number quotients of whole numbers with up to four-digit dividends and two-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.
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