Invite your 5th-grade gifted and talented students or early finishers to design their own escape room using this template. With print and digital options, this Operations and Algebraic Thinking math project is sure to engage every learner. Students will write and evaluate numerical expressions and number patterns. They will solve sample puzzles before creating their own escape room. This resource is great for 5th-grade teachers who want to engage early finishers, challenge gifted students independently, or complete a whole-class project at the end of a math unit about numerical expressions and patterns on coordinate planes.
 
What’s Included in This 5th Grade Math Enrichment Project?
✏️ PDF & Google Slides Link
Part 1: Write Numerical Expressions
Part 2: Evaluate Expressions
Part 3: Solve Word Problems
Part 4: Analyze Patterns
Part 5: Graph on the Coordinate Plane
Answer Keys
 
Each section includes:
✅ Practice Pages – Solve 5th grade math problems relating to the Operations and Algebraic Thinking standards. Students can review the examples at the top of the page before practicing the skill.
✅ Apply Pages – Solve an escape room puzzle by writing and evaluating numerical expressions. Graph points on a coordinate plane and identify patterns.
✅ Create Pages – Students design their own escape room puzzles that can be shared with a partner or the whole class.
 
This Independent Math Project is Perfect for:
✔️ Whole-class instruction (assign at the end of your operations and algebraic thinking unit).
✔️ Small groups or intervention (reinforce numerical expressions and patterns).
✔️ Gifted students or early finishers (let them complete the full project at their own pace).
 
✨Hear about this 5th Grade Project-Based Learning Resource from Educators Like You:✨
⭐️ “My students were so engaged in this project! They loved designing their own escape room and having their peers solve their puzzles. The step-by-step process made my job easy."
⭐️ “This resource is designed with students in mind. The examples help them practice skills before applying them to their own escape room design. It’s a fabulous format!
⭐️ “The digital slides are beautifully designed and easy to use. I didn't have to print a single page. Students completed this project over the course of a month whenever they finished math work early."
⭐️ “I used this as an end-of-unit enrichment activity, and it was a hit! The scaffolded practice helped build confidence, and the ‘Create’ pages allowed for student choice.”
⭐️ “This was the perfect challenge for my gifted students! They worked through each part independently and had so much fun applying math in a meaningful way.”
 
This engaging math project blends real-world problem-solving, student choice, and creativity—making 5th grade math more meaningful than ever!
 
Find answers to your questions about this Design an Escape Room Project:
✋ What materials will students need?
Students will use a pencil, scissors, and coloring materials. Alternatively, they can complete the project on Google Slides using the digital escape room template.
✋ How long will it take to complete this project?
This project will likely last multiple days. There are 5 separate math sections.
✋ Which grade will benefit the most from using this resource?
5th Grade - This project focuses on the following standards: CCSS.5.OA.A.1, 2 and B.3