Engage your students in a fun and interactive problem-solving adventure with Maths Mystery: Zoo! This exciting resource combines maths practise with a mystery format that motivates learners to apply addition and subtraction strategies as they work to crack the code and solve the case. The zoo theme adds an extra layer of enjoyment that will capture your class’s imagination.

Students move through five different challenges, with clues provided at each station. To progress, they must solve a range of addition and subtraction problems involving regrouping and partitioning. This makes the activity ideal for consolidating key strategies while fostering logical thinking and perseverance. The mystery format encourages engagement and collaboration, while providing repeated practise with core number skills.

Maths Mystery: Zoo is perfect for small group work, maths rotations, or a whole-class challenge. The resource offers opportunities for students to apply their understanding in a meaningful and engaging context, helping them to build fluency and confidence with addition and subtraction. It's also easy to prepare and can be used time and time again for revision or skill practise.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop fluency with addition and subtraction involving regrouping and partitioning
• ✅ Build confidence and accuracy in solving multi-step problems
• ✅ Strengthen logical thinking and problem-solving skills
• ✅ Encourage perseverance and resilience when working through challenges
• ✅ Foster engagement through a fun and meaningful maths context

What’s Included:

• Maths Mystery: Zoo instructions
• 5 addition and subtraction challenges with clues
• Printable clue cards and recording sheets
• Teacher notes with set-up tips and differentiation ideas

Materials Needed:

• Printed clue cards and recording sheets
• Pencils for recording answers
• Optional: zoo-themed props or decorations to enhance the experience

How to Use:

1. Print and prepare the clue cards and recording sheets.
2. Set up the clue stations around your classroom or a designated space.
3. Introduce the mystery and explain that students must solve each maths problem to move on.
4. Students work individually or in pairs to complete each challenge.
5. Once they solve all five clues, they can crack the final code and complete the mystery!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a fun end-of-unit revision activity for addition and subtraction
• 💡 Incorporate into maths rotations to encourage collaborative problem solving
• 💡 Offer as an engaging whole-class challenge to build teamwork and perseverance
• 💡 Use as an assessment opportunity to observe application of addition and subtraction strategies
• 💡 Repeat throughout the year to consolidate and extend learning

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Prepare stations in advance for a smooth flow during the activity
• 💛 Model regrouping and partitioning strategies before students begin
• 💛 Encourage students to show working and explain their thinking
• 💛 Celebrate completion of the mystery to boost motivation and confidence

Maths Mystery: Zoo is a fantastic way to make maths practise meaningful and memorable. The interactive, hands-on format keeps students engaged as they apply key strategies and collaborate to solve the mystery!