The Box is Locked! is an engaging math challenge for Thanksgiving, with a multiplication and division story problem focus. A Pilgrim boy named Sam has locked a prize inside of a box, and students must solve his clues and find the key to open the box!

Students must DO MATH and BREAK CODES in order to solve Sam's six clues! Clues involve engaging number stories (all multiplication/division based) in which the answers are needed to complete other clues; construction of "Sam's Decoder Tube" (don't worry, it's actually pretty simple to make) to figure out a password; and even a "Shift Cipher" secret message that reveals the location of the hidden key. Once students find the key, they’ll open the lock and share Sam’s prize with the entire class!

I provide you with:

• an opening note from Sam the Pilgrim to set the scene
• ideas for prizes including a collectible ribbon/bookmark (collect them all!) and a sheet of homework passes
• paper lock, key, and straps to secure the box containing the prize. (You could also use a real lock and key with a box secured with a chain.)
• SEVEN difficulty levels of clues with multiplication/division story problems and clever puzzles that students must solve in order to ultimately find the location of the hidden key. ("Difficulty Levels At-a-Glance" Chart is included to help determine appropriate level.) See below for further details on levels.
• Full answer keys
• Step-by-step, detailed instructions on how to set up the materials, including: preparing the prize box, hiding the key (two specific options provided), setting up the clues, and leading the activity.

All you provide is a box that closes, like a shoe box or storage bin. (For this "The Box is Locked" activity, students will also need scissors and a little bit of tape to complete certain clues.)

Check out my The Box is Locked! Addition & Subtraction Challenge for Thanksgiving too!

Details on Levels

The math focus in this activity is multiplication and division story problems. 7 difficulty levels of the clues are included. The challenge is most appropriate for students in grades 3-5. However, it may also work for students in grade 2 or 6. The challenge is intended to be done in partnerships and without calculators. Please see below and check out the preview for a closer look at the appropriateness for your group of students.

• Level A (grade 2-3): story problems involving 1-digit x 1-digit; 2-digit / 1-digit; picture support for most problems
• Level B (grade 3): story problems involving 1-digit x 1-digit; 1-digit x multiple of 10; 2-digit / 1-digit
• Level C (grade 3): story problems involving 1-digit x 1-digit; 1-digit x multiple of 10; 2-digit / 1-digit; two-step problem included
• Level D (grade 4): story problems involving 2-digit x 1-digit; multiple of 10 x multiple of 10; 2-digit / 2-digit; 2-digit / 1-digit; two-step problem included
• Level E (grade 4): story problems involving 2-digit x 1-digit; 3-digit / 1-digit with remainders; multiple of 10 / multiple of 10; two-step problem included
• Level F (grade 4-5): story problems involving 4-digit x 1-digit; 4-digit / 1-digit with remainders (which may need to be interpreted); two-step problem included
• Level G (grade 5): story problems involving 2-digit x 2-digit; 4-digit / 1-digit; 4-digit / multiple of 10 with remainders (which may need to be interpreted); two-step problem included

**NOTE: This resource is NOT editable.**

Check out my full line of "The Box is Locked!" Multiplication & Division Challenges:

• The Box is Locked! for Halloween with Inky the Cat
• The Box is Locked! for Thanksgiving with Sam the Pilgrim
• The Box is Locked! for the Holidays with Franny and Granny's Ugly Sweaters
• The Box is Locked! for Winter with Olga's Ice Hotel
• The Box is Locked! for Valentine's Day with Edwin's Heartbreak Potion
• The Box is Locked! for St. Patrick's Day with Leroy the Leprechaun
• The Box is Locked! for the End of the Year with Poppy's Popsicle Truck
• The Box is Locked! Candy Factory with Pixie Sweet
• The Box is Locked! Multiplication & Division Bundle

**For personal and single classroom use only. If using with multiple classrooms, please purchase additional licenses at the discounted rate.**

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You might also be interested in my Thanksgiving Writing Activities.