FREE Valentine's Day Math Problem Solving Activity: DIGITAL and PRINT Math Clues

Do you want to do a math activity that is both fun and mathematical enriching to celebrate Valentine's Day with your students? Do you have very little extra time to spare beyond your regular curriculum? This FREE 3 question math problem solving clue game may be just what you're looking for! If you have more time, check out the full-length 12 question version of this activity!

This NO PREP engaging Valentine's math problem solving mini-mystery comes in both DIGITAL and PRINT versions. It combines the ideas of a Scavenger Hunt and the game of "Clue". All 3 questions focus on solving Valentine's themed problems. If you choose the digital version, just share a link with your students and you're good to go!

If you want an activity that does more than just fill time or make learning fun, this one will also truly encourage deep mathematical thinking and problem solving skills! The problems are written at a variety of levels so everyone can find both success and challenge.

Directions

1. Either share the digital link with your students OR print and hang the “Clue Cards” all around the classroom (or hallway, around the school, etc.)

2. Set the stage! Use this story or personalize a new story to fit your class. At the class Valentine’s party, Nora received a Valentine’s card that said “I have loved you since the 3rd grade. Your beauty outshines the stars! Love, Your Secret Admirer”. She was so curious to discover who was behind the card. Can you help her discover ☆WHO sent the mushy valentine? ☆ WHAT was their intention? ☆ WHERE did they make it? *You can change the suspects, too. Just keep the solutions in the same location on the Google Sheet.

3. For the print version, distribute one worksheet (suspect elimination on one side, recording sheet on the other) to each student. It also helps if students have a clipboard or hard surface they can write on while they are walking. You can choose to have students work individually, in pairs, or groups.

4. Explain that students are to solve each problem. When they solve the problem, they should find that answer on their check-off sheet. If they find it, they will then eliminate that suspect and cross it off their checklist. They continue working until all but one “who”, one “what” and one “where” are eliminated. The remaining clues are the answer to the mystery .

5. Prizes for students who solve the mystery are optional. Conversation hearts or even store-bought valentines with a “special” one for whoever solves first can make this extra fun.:)

Included

• Teacher Direction Sheets (One for Digital Version, one for Print)
• Link to digital google spreadsheet activity
• 3 clue cards to hang around the room (if you choose the print version)
• Student worksheet with work space and suspect elimination list.
• Answer Key
• Full Solutions to all 3 problems

Move! Use your Mind! Do Math! Enjoy!

Other Valentine's Activities you may enjoy:

• Valentine's Card Exchange: A non-curricular problem solving task
• Build-A-Heart Buddy: 7th Grade Illustrative Mathematics Unit 5 Review Game (Rational Number Arithmetic - Negative Numbers)

Other Math Clues Games

• a mix of digital and print Math Clues games

Bundle & Save!

• Digital Bingo Bundle - 7th Grade
• Illustrated Math Ad Libs Activity Bundle - 7th Grade

Do you teach 7th Grade Illustrative Mathematics?

Check out my Unit Activity Bundles!

Questions? Please email me at move.mind.math@gmail.com.