Description
The Thanksgiving Thwarter has locked dinner inside the oven with five locks. Can your 5th graders use decimals, place value, order of operations, and problem-solving skills to find every combination and save Thanksgiving?
This engaging Thanksgiving math escape room includes both printable and digital versions. Choose the printable challenge when you want students working away from screens, or use the low-prep Google Forms version for an automated, self-checking experience. Students do not need email addresses or Google accounts.
5th grade math skills students will practice
- Rounding decimals to the nearest whole number and tenth
- Comparing decimals through the thousandths place with <, >, and =
- Comparing decimals written in standard, word, and expanded form
- Evaluating numerical expressions with parentheses using the order of operations
- Solving multi-step word problems using all four operations
- Completing ciphers and basic logic puzzles
The decimal work supports standards including 5.NBT.A.3, 5.NBT.A.3a, and 5.NBT.A.3b.
Choose print or digital
Printable version: Give teams the storyline and five puzzle sets for a collaborative, hands-on challenge.
Digital version: Students access the automated Google Forms activity using the included QR code or URL. It is easy to implement and provides immediate feedback as students work through the locks.
This activity is useful for Thanksgiving week, holiday math centers, review, enrichment, a class celebration, or cooperative learning. Most students finish in under 45 minutes, although allowing up to 60 minutes is safest. Students with a strong grasp of the skills may finish in 20–30 minutes.
All information needed to solve the puzzles is included, so students do not need to search the web. Please confirm that your school or district permits Google Forms if you use the digital version.
This resource is purchased through Teachers Pay Teachers. Use the Buy on TpT button above to view the complete listing and purchase options.
