Description

Turn decimal addition and subtraction practice into an exciting library escape room adventure!

In this 5th grade decimal operations digital escape room, students solve standards-based math problems, interpret clues, and complete puzzles as they work toward escaping the library. The activity combines meaningful decimal practice with critical thinking, careful reading, and collaborative problem-solving.

Students practice adding and subtracting decimals to the hundredths place, including problems that require regrouping and subtraction across zeros. Supporting challenges also review rounding, comparing and ordering decimals, and solving decimal word problems.

This activity addresses Common Core Standards 5.NBT.A.4 and 5.NBT.B.7. It can also provide review or additional practice for 6.NS.B.3.

Math Skills Practiced

Students will:

• Add multi-digit numbers with decimals through the hundredths place
• Subtract multi-digit numbers with decimals through the hundredths place
• Regroup when adding and subtracting decimals
• Subtract decimals across zeros
• Align decimal points and place values correctly
• Round decimals to the nearest whole number
• Compare decimals through the hundredths place
• Order decimals through the hundredths place
• Solve word problems involving decimal addition and subtraction
• Use simple ciphers and clues to solve puzzles
• Check their computations carefully

No-Prep and Self-Checking

The escape room is automated through Google Forms™. Students enter their answers directly into the activity and must solve each challenge correctly before moving forward.

There are no locks to prepare, clue cards to cut apart, or materials to hide around the classroom. Simply provide students with the activity link and the optional recording page or scratch paper.

Students do not need Gmail™ or Google™ accounts to complete the escape room. Anyone with an internet-connected computer, tablet, or phone can access the activity through a web browser.

An optional link is also included for teachers whose schools require Google Forms™ to originate within their district’s Google Drive™ system.

Recommended Grade Levels

This activity is designed primarily for 5th grade students learning or reviewing addition and subtraction with decimals.

It can also be used:

• With 6th grade students who need decimal operations review
• With advanced 4th grade students who are ready for decimal computation
• For intervention or additional skills practice
• As review before state or end-of-year testing
• With homeschool students studying decimal operations

Great for:

• Whole-class math review
• Math centers and stations
• Partner or small-group work
• Independent practice
• Early finishers
• Enrichment
• Decimal operations review
• Test preparation
• Substitute teacher plans
• Homeschool math
• Tutoring
• In-person, virtual, or hybrid learning
• A fun alternative to traditional worksheets

Students may complete the escape room independently or work with partners or small groups. Collaborative play encourages mathematical discussion, perseverance, careful computation, and active participation.

What Is Included?

The downloadable PDF includes:

• Quick-start teacher guide
• Link to the digital Google Forms™ escape room
• Optional link for saving a copy to Google Drive™
• Optional student recording page
• Complete answer key
• Teacher tips and instructions
• Optional printable success signs

How Long Does It Take?

Most students will complete the activity in approximately 30–60 minutes, depending on their familiarity with decimal operations and whether they work independently or collaboratively.

Students will need an internet-connected device and access to Google Forms™. Please confirm that your school or district does not block Google Forms™ before purchasing.

This adding and subtracting decimals escape room gives students meaningful standards-based practice while transforming decimal operations review into an engaging classroom challenge!