Description
This 5th grade long division practice activity includes dividing by two-digit divisors and offers both printable and digital versions of the escape room. Students divide three- and four-digit whole numbers by two-digit divisors as they solve puzzles, crack codes, and work to save the game. All division problems have whole-number answers with no remainders.
In Operation: Retrieve the Ref, the referee has gone missing. Students tackle six connected clues featuring division problems, word problems, and code-breaking challenges to find the referee before the soccer game begins. This division escape room provides an engaging worksheet alternative for skills practice, review, and cooperative learning.
Two ways to play
- Digital escape room: A no-prep, self-checking Google Forms™ activity. Students enter correct answers to move through the adventure on an internet-connected computer, tablet, or phone. Student Google™ accounts are not required.
- Printable escape room: A hands-on option with no student devices required. Print the black-and-white clue pages and give students one clue at a time. Check each answer before handing out the next clue. Students use a printable cipher disk during the adventure.
Both versions follow the same storyline and practice the same math skills, so you can choose the format that works best for your classroom.
Math skills addressed: 5.NBT.B.6
- Division vocabulary: dividend, divisor, and quotient
- Dividing three- and four-digit whole numbers by two-digit divisors
- Long division word problems
- Whole-number quotients with no remainders
Students can use the division strategies taught in your classroom, including partial quotients, area models, place-value strategies, or the standard algorithm. A specific solving method is not required.
What is included
- Digital quick-start guide and teacher tips
- Link to the self-checking Google Forms™ escape room
- Optional link to save a copy of the form to Google Drive™
- Teacher directions for the printable escape room
- Six black-and-white printable clue pages
- Printable cipher disk
- Answer key with solutions and puzzle explanations
- Printable success page
- Optional success signs for celebration photos
Preparation
For the digital version, share the activity link and provide scratch paper for students to show their work. Please confirm that your school district allows access to Google Forms™. An optional copy link is included for schools that require forms to originate within their own system.
For the printable version, print the materials and gather pencils, scratch paper, scissors, and a brad or paper fastener for each cipher disk. Keep the clues with you and distribute them one at a time as students solve the challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Do students need Google™ or Gmail™ accounts?
No. The linked digital escape room can be completed without student Google™ accounts. The printable version does not require internet access or student devices.
How long does it take?
Plan for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on students’ division skills, group size, and how much written work you require. Some students may finish in 20 to 30 minutes, while others will need more time.
Can students work independently or in groups?
Yes. Use the activity for independent practice, partner work, or small-group collaboration.
Will students need to search the web?
No. All information needed to solve the clues is provided within the activity.
The digital version works for in-person, virtual, or hybrid learning. The printable version provides an additional classroom option without devices.
This resource is purchased through Teachers Pay Teachers. Use the Buy on TpT button above to view the complete listing and purchase options.
