Teach the Cartesian Plane With Mystery Pictures

With this set of differentiated Cartesian plane mystery pictures, students will plot coordinates, connecting them in order. When all lines are complete, a message is revealed. Students can complete multiple messages as there are 3 options. Teachers can ensure that students have different messages than their neighbours or differentiate based on difficulty. The hand lens next to the title indicates the difficulty level.

• Level 1: All coordinates are within the first quadrant. There are 41 points to plot. 
• Level 2: All coordinates are within the first quadrant. There are 88 points to plot.
• Level 3: Coordinates are in all four quadrants. There are 99 points to plot.

Each worksheet also has a version that includes numbers along the x and y-axis as well as a blank version.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy! 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use these worksheets as an activity for:

• Maths groups
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignments
• Whole-class review (via digital whiteboard )

If your students master all 3 pictures, have them create their own mystery messages and trade with partners!

For students who need additional support, consider reading the coordinates aloud to the student and guiding them through connecting the points in the right order. Additionally, provide notes with reminders about plotting coordinates showing that the first coordinate indicates horizontal movement and the second coordinate indicates vertical movement. 

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Sustainability Tip: Print this resource on cardboard and slip it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can plot the points with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Additional Cartesian Plane Activities

Keep your Cartesian plane unit going strong with more resources your students are sure to enjoy!

[resource:4963945] [resource:4978226] [resource:4894314]