Math Mysteries

The Math Mysteries are a collection of mathematical classroom games with escape room-style puzzle elements.

Each game has a unique narrative and setting that frames the main objective, for example: identifying the cheating card player in the western-inspired "Outlaws of Crooked Gulch", or deciphering the supercomputer password onboard a sci-fi space station in "Robot Reboot".

To unravel the mystery, players gather and interpret clues. One step of this process requires completing a mathematical practice puzzle to construct an important piece of evidence. Multiple math topics are available for each Math Mystery (see below).

But the exploration doesn't stop there! In addition to a bit of math practice, players will have to use other logical reasoning and problem solving skills to unravel the larger puzzle and solve the mystery.

Multiple Curriculum Connections

The mathematical practice puzzles have been built with modularity in mind. Each Math Mystery comes with several mathematics topics that teachers can plug-and-play based on their curriculum. The solution to the mystery is the same regardless of the mathematical topic that is chosen.

Each game comes with three content options:

Pre-algebra, for example: fraction operations or scientific notation
Early algebra, for example: finding the slope of a line or simplifying radical expressions
Advanced algebra, for example: complex number operations or equivalent rational algebraic expressions

Escape-room Elements

In classic "escape room" style, the final solution to a Math Mystery is a five-digit number or a five-letter word.

Once players have determined the solution, they share it with the teacher. This could be done in a simple and low-tech way: students might simply whisper the solution or pass it to the teacher as a note.

Optionally, to bring in even more of an escape-room vibe, teachers may wish to have students enter their solution into a five-symbol padlock that has been configured to the proper combination.

Note: The Math Mysteries are not affiliated with Breakout EDU, though all of the suggested padlocks in the mysteries are included in the standard Breakout EDU kit.

Click on a title to visit the Math Mysteries library and download the game documents!