Addition & Subtraction Within 1000
Back to School Mystery · Grades 2–4 · Detective Mystery
Instant PDF download after checkout. Prefer TPT? It's there too.
Inside the case file
Bring excitement to your addition and subtraction within 1,000 math practice with these engaging Mystery Detective worksheets! Perfect for Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4, this printable resource combines 3-digit addition and subtraction problems with regrouping in a fun escape room / crack-the-code style game. Students solve equations, eliminate suspects, and reveal the mystery - no locks, apps, or complicated prep required. Ideal for back-to-school review, end-of-year activities, math centers, morning work, or test prep.
Each of the five unique mystery cases focuses on addition only, subtraction only, or mixed addition/subtraction, giving you flexibility to target specific skills or spiral review. Every set features stacked vertical equations, a randomized answer list with one decoy number for self-checking, and a short detective story to hook your students from the start.
What's Included:
5 themed Mystery Detective cases:
1. The Missing Desk - Addition 2. Who Stole the School Supplies? - Addition 3. The Vanished Permission Slips - Subtraction 4. The Missing Lab Goggles - Subtraction 5. The Stolen Sports Equipment - Mixed Addition & Subtraction
Each case includes:
- A unique, engaging detective storyline connected to the theme
- A mix of vertical 3-digit addition and subtraction problems with answers always under 1,000
- A randomized answer list with one extra decoy to boost critical thinking
- A suspect list for students to eliminate as they solve each problem
- Teacher-friendly directions and complete answer keys
- Low-ink, easy-to-print pages for quick prep and flexible classroom use
Why Teachers Love This Resource:
- Makes math fact fluency practice exciting and interactive
- Combines problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking
- Perfect for independent work, partner activities, or small groups
- Works for back-to-school, midyear practice, and end-of-year review
- Aligned with CCSS 2.NBT.B.7, 3.NBT.A.2, Texas TEKS, and Virginia SOL math standards
Mystery Detective cases are an independent escape room (or crack-the-code) type of activity where students solve puzzles instead of unlocking locks. Each correct answer eliminates a suspect, leading students closer to solving the case.
Please Note: This is a printable PDF file. You will receive a download link for all 5 sets. No physical product will be shipped.
Love this resource?
Follow Kiwiland Education to find more Mini Mystery Detective math games, addition and subtraction puzzles, and printable escape room worksheets for your classroom.
