Support your students’ understanding of decimal numbers with Comparing & Ordering Decimals Mystery Colour by Numbers – a fun and visual way to reinforce number concepts through colour-by-code activities. With a construction theme and hidden images revealed through accurate calculations, this engaging task provides a hands-on approach to learning about decimals.

Students will develop their ability to compare and order decimals to three or four decimal places by completing a range of problems and applying a colour key. As they colour the segments, a hidden picture will be revealed – adding excitement and a sense of achievement to their learning. With scaffolded challenges included, this resource is suitable for a range of ability levels across upper primary grades.

Each activity is set within the context of real-world measurement problems. Students explore decimal operations through relatable scenarios such as length, mass and volume. This connection to measurement contexts helps learners build number fluency while enhancing their understanding of how decimals are used in everyday situations. For further extension, bonus activities allow students to practise addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals using practical measurement units.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Compare and order decimal numbers to three and four decimal places
• ✅ Apply place value knowledge when working with decimals
• ✅ Practise operations with decimals using length, mass and volume
• ✅ Use visual colour-by-code tasks to reinforce mathematical thinking
• ✅ Work independently to apply problem-solving skills

What’s Included:

• 4 mystery picture worksheets focusing on comparing and ordering decimals
• 2 bonus extension worksheets on decimal operations in measurement contexts
• Coloured teacher answer keys for all activities
• A4 format, ideal for printing or digital use

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets or tablet devices for digital completion
• Coloured pencils or digital colouring tools
• Optional: calculators for self-marking tasks

How to Use:

1. Print the worksheets or upload them to student devices.
2. Guide students through reviewing decimal place value and operations.
3. Allow students to work independently through the mystery colouring tasks.
4. Encourage self-checking with the included answer sheets or calculators.
5. Display the final coloured images for a fun and educational classroom showcase.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include as a maths rotation activity during decimal units
• 💡 Assign as an independent challenge for early finishers
• 💡 Share digitally during remote learning or BYOD programs
• 💡 Use in small groups as a collaborative puzzle-style task
• 💡 Combine with physical measurement tools to link to real-world data

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate sheets for repeated use with whiteboard markers
• 💛 Print in black and white on coloured paper for a low-ink alternative
• 💛 Use highlighters to help visual learners keep track of their codes
• 💛 Scaffold learning by selecting sheets with fewer decimal places for support groups
• 💛 Offer students the chance to design their own colour-by-code image using decimals

Want to explore these topics further with your students? Try our Comparing and Ordering Decimals Worksheets.

Comparing & Ordering Decimals Mystery Colour by Numbers is a colourful, hands-on resource that makes abstract decimal concepts concrete and accessible for all learners.