Description
Challenge fifth graders to use decimal place value, rounding, and operations with decimals to capture a mathematical criminal. In this print-and-digital escape room, students follow connected clues, crack codes, and help the Mathematical Security Agency stop Dess E. Mal, the Decimal Deceiver.
With printable and digital options plus two levels of challenge, you can choose the format and version that best fit your students. Use the activity for decimal unit review, partner work, small-group practice, math centers, or enrichment.
Preview the 5th Grade Decimal Place Value and Rounding Escape Room
Two Ways to Play
- Digital escape room: Students complete the mission in Google Forms™ on an internet-connected device. The form automatically checks each code before students move forward, and students do not need Google accounts to use the provided links.
- Printable escape room: Students solve black-and-white printable clues while the teacher checks answers and releases the next challenge. No devices, physical locks, or special props are required.
Two Levels for Differentiation
- Version A: Six main clues followed by a rounding challenge. Choose this version for a shorter mission or a more straightforward final puzzle.
- Version B: The shared core clues, an additional cipher roadblock, and a more challenging decimal logic puzzle. This version provides extra multistep problem solving and deductive reasoning.
Most puzzles are shared across both versions, making it easy to adjust the challenge while keeping students focused on the same mission and math skills.
5th Grade Decimal Skills
- Understand how a digit’s value changes across place-value positions, including 10 times and one-tenth relationships
- Convert expanded form to standard form with decimals to the hundredths place
- Multiply decimals to the hundredths place by a one-digit whole number
- Subtract decimals to calculate change
- Multiply decimals by powers of 10
- Compare decimals through the thousandths place using <, >, and =
- Round whole numbers and decimals to specified place values
- Apply math skills to connected clues and codes
Version B also includes a decoded calculation sequence using rounding, subtraction, multiplication, and addition before the final decimal logic challenge.
What Is Included?
- Quick-start links to digital Versions A and B
- Optional links for teachers to create their own Google Forms™ copies
- Black-and-white printable clues for both versions
- Mission introduction and suspect dossier
- Teacher directions for print and digital use
- Quick-check answers and a detailed answer key with hints
- Mission-complete page
- Optional materials for setting the scene and celebrating success
Timing and Classroom Use
Plan approximately 25–50 minutes for Version A and 40–55 minutes for Version B. Completion time varies with students’ math skills, group size, and the amount of support provided. Students may work independently, with partners, or in small groups.
All clues and information are included in the activity, so students do not need to search the internet. If your school restricts Google Forms™, use the included teacher-copy option or choose the printable version for an offline activity.
This resource is purchased through Teachers Pay Teachers. Use the Buy on TpT button above to view the complete listing and purchase options.
