Looking for a fun way to review place value and skip counting? This Playground Bandit CSI Math Mystery is a printable PDF designed for 2nd and 3rd grade students. Students solve puzzles involving place value, number forms, and patterns to uncover clues and eliminate suspects—until the mystery is solved!
This print-and-go place value math activity is perfect for back-to-school, fall review, or anytime during the year. Use it in math centers, sub plans, RTI groups, or for homeschool practice. Students love the storyline and puzzle-based format—and teachers love the built-in skill review!
Story Summary
A Place Value Bandit has struck the playground! The seesaw is working backwards, the hopscotch numbers are scrambled, and students can’t skip count anymore. Someone’s tampering with math—and your class must solve the clues to bring back order before recess is ruined for good!
Seasonal & Flexible Uses
- Back to school review
- Fall-themed math activity
- Anytime spiral review
- Homeschool or math intervention
- Engaging sub plans
Skills Covered
- Place value to 1000
- 10 more / 10 less
- Skip counting by 2, 5, and 10
- Standard, word, and expanded form
- Greater than / less than
- Addition and subtraction to 1000
What’s Included
- 5 place value and number puzzles
- Engaging story-driven clue format
- Printable suspect list and student pages
- Full answer key
What Is a CSI Math Mystery?
CSI Math Mysteries are printable, escape-room-style activities that combine math practice with engaging storylines. Students solve puzzles to eliminate suspects—no apps or locks needed. Great for classrooms, math centers, homeschool, or intervention groups.
📎 Please Note: This is a printable PDF product. Simply download, print, and you’re ready to go—no apps or locks required.
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