Turn your classroom into a CSI investigation lab with this 10-page, black-and-white “New Year Math Crime Scene” worksheet pack! Students become detectives solving The Case of the Missing Midnight Fireworks, using Grade 5 math to uncover clues, eliminate suspects, and crack the final culprit code.

Each worksheet introduces a new piece of forensic evidence connected to a storyline that progresses across all 10 pages. Students solve math problems involving fractions, decimals, time, geometry, patterns, coordinate grids, ratios, and multi-step reasoning. Every worksheet includes 10 problems—the final one acts as a “case clue” that advances the mystery.

Perfect for January, math centers, enrichment, early finishers, and high-engagement logic units.

What’s Included:Worksheet 1: The Theft Is Discovered – Initial Evidence Analysis

Skills: Reading tables, data interpretation, comparing numbers
Task: Analyze security logs and identify who was present at key times to narrow early suspects

Worksheet 2: Suspicious Footprints – Fractional Measurements

Skills: Fraction lengths, unit conversion, comparing measurements
Task: Evaluate footprint height estimates and eliminate any suspects outside the height range

Worksheet 3: Broken Firework Fuses – Patterns & Sequences

Skills: Number patterns, sequence rules, identifying missing terms
Task: Match the sabotage sequence to a suspect known for coded patterns

Worksheet 4: Vendor Booth Transaction Logs – Fractions & Decimals

Skills: Adding/subtracting decimals, fraction of sales, comparing amounts
Task: Analyze sales logs to determine which suspect has an airtight alibi

Worksheet 5: Security Camera Time Zone Problem – Elapsed Time

Skills: Elapsed time, reading digital clocks, timeline reasoning
Task: Use adjusted camera timestamps to determine which suspect could not have been near the scene

Worksheet 6: Cargo Weight Records – Volume & Multi-Step Estimation

Skills: Volume of rectangular prisms, weight estimation, multi-step math
Task: Determine which suspect has the skill and strength to move a heavy fireworks crate

Worksheet 7: Countdown Stage Wire Patterns – Fractions & Logic

Skills: Fraction patterns, logical deduction, multi-step fraction reasoning
Task: Decode wiring patterns sabotaged using a unique fractional mirror rule

Worksheet 8: Firework Chemical Ratios – Ratio Reasoning

Skills: Ratios, equivalent ratios, multiplying/dividing fractions
Task: Match chemical residue ratios to the testing kit belonging to one key suspect

Worksheet 9: GPS Tracker Clue – Coordinate Grids & Distance

Skills: Coordinate plane, plotting points, distance with decimals
Task: Follow tracker points to identify the exact workstation connected to the culprit

Worksheet 10: Final Reveal – Mixed Operations & Logic Puzzle

Skills: Multi-step mixed operations, elimination thinking, number coding
Task: Solve the final coded grid to reveal the culprit’s name and close the case

How It Helps Students:

• Builds deep reasoning with a sustained storyline and logic-based problem solving
  
• Strengthens mastery of fractions, decimals, time, geometry, patterns, ratios, and coordinates
  
• Encourages critical thinking, deduction, and evidence-based conclusions
  
• Boosts motivation through an immersive CSI mystery that unfolds page by page
  

How It Helps Teachers:

• Zero prep—just print and go
  
• Ideal for January units, math centers, enrichment, fast-finishers, or cross-curricular STEAM
  
• High-engagement format that reduces behavior issues and increases focus
  
• Provides a complete narrative arc tied directly to rigorous math content
  

Solves Key Pain Points:

• Makes real-world math meaningful through a detective storyline
  
• Prevents student disengagement with exciting case-based challenges
  
• Integrates multiple CCSS domains without extra planning
  
• Provides structured reasoning tasks appropriate for Grade 5

This resource includes typographically styled fractions and exponents, along with auto-formatted elements, designed to expose students to a variety of visual representations. By incorporating both digital and traditional formats, students encounter mathematical expressions in ways they may not often see in standard textbooks. This approach enhances flexible thinking and supports adaptation to various digital tools, platforms, and real-world scenarios. It encourages a deeper conceptual understanding and strengthens students’ confidence with diverse mathematical notations.

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