3-Digit Subtraction with Regrouping

Inside the case file

3 digit subtraction with regrouping zoo safari math worksheets for 2nd grade and 3rd grade: five zoo math cases, each a Mystery Detective page. Print and go with full answer keys: no prep math activities for math centers, morning work, early finishers, homework and sub plans. The zoo setting makes this the obvious 3 digit subtraction with regrouping practice for an animal unit or a zoo trip, for 2nd grade and 3rd grade. Teachers use it as zoo math for math centers, morning work or homework, and every CSI Mini Mystery Detective page is self-marking.

A class that has just been to the zoo, or is about to go, will do subtraction with real enthusiasm, and an animal loose from its pen is why they race to the last sum. Every answer rules out a suspect, so the pages mark themselves. Pair it with the zoo addition pack for a full CSI Mini Mystery Detective math week.

The cases happen on a class trip to the zoo, where an animal is hiding, a classmate goes missing and someone walks off with a bag. Students borrow across the columns to find each answer, then cross off the matching animal, place or time. It fits nicely alongside an animal unit.

The Cases

1. Spot the Animal - which animal is in the enclosure
2. Disappearing Classmate - a classmate lost at the zoo
3. Missing Bag - who took the bag
4. Animal Noise - which animal made the sound
5. Missing Animal - an animal gone from its enclosure

What's Inside

• Five zoo cases of 3 digit subtraction with regrouping
• Problems set out in columns
• Black and white copies
• Answer keys for every case
• Teacher instructions

What Is a CSI Mini Mystery Detective?

Each case fits on one page, with the story at the top and the clue lists down the side. Every clue carries a number. Students cross off the ones their answers match, and the clue left in each list solves the case.

When to Use This Resource

Bring these out after borrowing across columns has been taught, or the week of a zoo field trip. 3rd graders can use them as fluency practice. Small groups, early finishers, sub days and homeschool lessons all work too.

Grade Levels

Written for 2nd grade and 3rd grade, and handy inside an animal unit.

Why Teachers Love These Cases

• A zoo trip in every case
• No prep
• Students check their own borrowing
• Five separate cases

Want more cases like these?

Follow Kiwiland Education to discover more CSI Mini Mystery Detective cases, no-prep math activities, and detective-themed printables for elementary classrooms.

Follow Kiwiland Education on TPT ↗