Description
This 5th grade dividing fractions escape room activity is a fun and engaging way for students to practice dividing whole numbers by unit fractions and unit fractions by whole numbers. Both print and digital versions of this math escape room are included to get students actively engaged while mastering fraction division. Visual models are included in two of the puzzles. Solving word problems involving division with unit fractions and whole numbers is also a skill required to complete these puzzles.
In this spy-themed math mission, students are trapped inside a top-secret training facility after a system glitch triggers an automatic lockdown. To escape, they must solve a series of puzzles involving dividing fractions, decoding passwords, and restoring system access before time runs out. This activity encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and perseverance as students apply fraction concepts in real-world scenarios.
The printable escape room includes both color and black & white versions and is low prep and easy to implement. If you don’t have time for a full escape room, the printable puzzles can also be used as task cards, math stations, small-group activities, or exit tickets to reinforce dividing fractions throughout the year.
The digital escape room is fully self-checking and requires no clues to hide. It is extremely easy to implement and can be completed in person, virtually, or in a hybrid classroom. The breakout process is automated through a Google Form™, but you do not need Google Classroom™ or student email accounts to use this activity. Any student with a device and internet access can participate. There is the option to create your own copy of the form for schools that require Google Forms™ to originate from within their system. *Please make sure that your school district does not block Google Forms™.
To successfully complete the mission, students must be able to
- Divide whole numbers by unit fractions
- Divide unit fractions by whole numbers
- Solve real-world word problems involving fraction division
What’s included in the PDF?
- Quick start guide with link to the digital escape room
- Optional link for Google Drive™ users to create a copy of the form to save to their own drives in order to view student results.
- Printable black and white version of the escape room (includes the mission explanation, seven puzzles, and a “mission accomplished” page).
- Printable color version of the escape room
- Answer key & teacher tips
Digital Escape Room FAQ
Do students need to have Gmail™ accounts? NO! Anyone with internet access and a tablet, computer, or even phone can complete the breakout.
How long will this take? That is the hardest question as the answer varies depending on each classroom, student, or group. Many students with a firm grasp of the concepts will complete this escape room in 20-45 minutes. You can allow 60 minutes to be safe. The form will only save data if students are signed into Google accounts, so if you are worried about your students not finishing on time, simply have them write their answers on scratch paper. They can then come back and quickly re-enter their answers and pick up where they left off.
Can this be used for remote learning? Yes! This product is designed to be able to be completed completely online and can be done in-person, for distance learning, or hybrid models. Students will need a device and internet connection.
Will students have to search the web to figure out the puzzles? NO! All of the information needed will be provided in the Google Form™. The math in this activity is all standards-based.
Escape rooms are a powerful way to get students excited about math. This activity promotes active learning, productive struggle, and teamwork, while giving students meaningful practice with dividing unit fractions and whole numbers in 5th grade.
