Trapped
in math class.
Group work, problem
solving, order of
operations,
Algebraic thinking.
Carton Classroom
How to use the product:
I use this product with 8th grade math
students. I separate them into groups
and have them each pick a group name.
We go through the opening scenario as
a class. With the lights dimmed, each
group gets their first key to their locks.
They solve their clue and will get a
number. I have students use a
computer to check their lock number
on a google form. You could also check
and just give them the next clue.
As students work through the
problems they will be challenged to think
and problem solve. Once the students
have solved the last lock, they have
escaped the classroom!
The Locks
https://drive.google.com/
drive/folders/
0BzEAkw66Q3LrOG90MEI
yTkZmLTQ?usp=sharing
Click the link above, make
a copy for your own
class. Each Google Form
“Quiz” is a separate lock. It
will tell students if they
got the number correct.
©cartonclassroom
Trapped
in math class.
Our normal lesson has been
taken! The culprit has locked us in
this room until we can unlock
FOUR locks. In order to unlock
these locks, you need to search
for the secret combinations.
These combinations are hidden in
a series of challenging tasks. You
and your group need to solve
these problems and free us from
the classroom!
The future
of Math
class is in
your hands.
Cover of the envelope
for each clue
Lock number one requires
some skill. Use your pattern
brain to get up the hill. Pencil
and paper could give you some
luck. Get it wrong and forever
be stuck.
©cartonclassroom
#1
One step closer to your
freedom. Put your
thinking caps on (I think
you’ll need ‘em.
#2
©cartonclassroom
Two locks down, a few
more to go. This one will
really show us how
much you know.
#3
©cartonclassroom
The final challenge until
you’re free. The final
combination, what
could it be?!
#4
©cartonclassroom
Clue #1: The Stairs to get there
Your task: There is a pattern to how these
stairs keep getting bigger. You need to figure
out how many squares there will be in the 10th
set. Once you get the number, try it in the lock
to see if you are correct.
1
2
3
©cartonclassroom
Clue #1: The Stairs to get there
Your task: There is a pattern to how these
stairs keep getting bigger. You need to figure
out how many squares there will be in the 10th
set. Once you get the number, try it in the lock
to see if you are correct.
1
2
3
©cartonclassroom
Clue #2: Forgot the locker
combination!
Your task: Turns out I forgot my locker
combination again! Use the following clues to
figure out which number it could be. Once you get
the missing number, try it in the lock.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I am between 1 and 35.
I’m an odd number.
Neither of my digits are included in the combination already
The product of my two digits is less than my sum.
I am not prime.
03
-
35
-
XX
©cartonclassroom
Clue #2: Forgot the locker
combination!
Your task: Turns out I forgot my locker
combination again! Use the following clues to
figure out which number it could be. Once you get
the missing number, try it in the lock.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I am between 1 and 35.
I’m an odd number.
Neither of my digits are included in the combination already
The product of my two digits is less than my sum.
I am not prime.
03
-
35
-
XX
©cartonclassroom
Clue #3: I dropped my vocab!
Your task: Oops, must be a butter fingers. I
mixed up the words and their definitions.
Piece together the definition with the
word it belongs to. Then use the pattern to
solve the problem below. When you’re
finished, check the lock!
(i+ii)+(iii - iv)+(v-viii)
©cartonclassroom
Clue #3: I dropped my vocab!
Your task: Oops, must be a butter fingers. I
mixed up the words and their definitions.
Piece together the definition with the
word it belongs to. Then use the pattern to
solve the problem below. When you’re
finished, check the lock!
(i+ii)+(iii - iv)+(v-viii)
©cartonclassroom
Clue #3: I dropped my vocab!
i.
Sum
ii.
Difference
iii.
Product
iv.
Quotient
v.
Exponent
vi.
Grouping
symbols
vii.
Simplify
viii.
Pemdas
1
7
0
4
The result of
multiplying a set
of numbers.
The number that
is the result of
dividing one
number by
another number.
5
2
To remove
grouping symbols,
terms and
numbers by
performing
operations.
A memory device
to remember the
order of
operations.
The result of
adding a set of
numbers.
3
The number,
written as a small
superscript, that
tells the number
of times the base
is multiplied by
itself.
The result of
subtracting one
number from
another
6
Parenthesis,
Brackets, Absolute
Value, or Fraction
Bars.
This goes with the previous page. Cut this part off.
Use cardstock so pieces don’t get lost, paperclipping together helps too!
©cartonclassroom
Clue #4: The KEY to success is to simplify
your life.
Your task: It’s simple really. Organize the puzzle
pieces and simplify the expression. When you’re
finished, try your number in the lock!
(-7-3) - 2 + 32
(2-4) * -1
Clue #4: The KEY to success is to simplify
your life.
Your task: It’s simple really. Organize the puzzle
pieces and simplify the expression. When you’re
finished, try your number in the lock!
(-7-3) - 2 + 32
(2-4) * -1
CHALLENGE
Challenge: Four fours that equal
Four
Your task: Use any operations you can
think of to solve the problem. You have to
create the number 4 using 4 number 4’s.
Example: This is how you use 4 number
4’s to create the number zero.
(4+4) – (4+4)
Cut this part off.
4 = 4 + ((4-4) x 4)
There are many ways this can be solved, this
©cartonclassroom
is just one.
Answers for Clues:
clue #1: 121
Clue #2: 21
Clue #3: 5
Clue #4: 3
©cartonclassroo
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