Description
Practice & review fractions as division with this engaging 5th grade math escape room activity! In this digital or printable math activity, students relate fractions and division and solve fraction-based division word problems to complete a spy-themed mission and rescue an undercover agent. Engaging puzzles encourage active learning and collaboration as students practice and review interpreting fractions as division.
This escape room is designed to help students interpret fractions as division, write division answers as fractions or mixed numbers, and solve real-world word problems.
Students will solve a sequence of math puzzles involving
- Interpreting division as a fraction (a ÷ b = a/b) 5.NF.B.3
- Writing answers as proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers
- Solving word problems that result in fractional answers
- Recognizing equivalent fractions written in different forms (students are not required to reduce answers, but in one puzzle, answers are written in simplest form, so the students must recognize these equivalent fractions to solve the maze.
The printable version of the 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 has 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 complete this activity. 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 fractions as division mission, students must be able to
- Relate division and fractions to solve division problems and word problems
- Write answers as proper fractions, mixed numbers, and improper fractions (all three will be required)
- Students do not have to simplify answers, but the maze puzzle has simplified fractions as answers, so students will need to recognize equivalent fractions to complete this puzzle.
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, nine 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.
This escape room is perfect for centers, test prep, enrichment, early finishers, or review, this activity keeps students engaged while reinforcing an essential fraction skill. 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 and review.
