A Fractions Escape Room for Subtracting Unlike Fractions

You and your classmates are working in the science lab when you accidentally mix several unknown substances. Now, you must figure out what mystery mixture you have created before the school day ends. 

Each task will guide you through a series of fraction problems, and successfully solving them will reveal clues to eliminate incorrect mixtures. Complete all tasks to identify the mystery mixture!

This is the situation in which students find themselves in “The Mystery Mixture,” an escape room adventure that requires them to answer fractions questions involving unlike denominators. To discover the identity of the mixture they have mistakenly created, students must work through four subtracting unlike fractions worksheets, each based on a particular strategy. The strategies covered in this fractions escape room include:

• Number lines
• Pictorial models
• Standard algorithm

Will your students discover the name of the marvellous mixture they have created before the end of the school day? Delight in a class of engaged and motivated students as they work to uncover the clues and solve the mystery!

An All-In-One Fractions Escape Room Pack

The resource download (quick-print PDF or digital/editable Google Slides file) contains everything you need to easily implement this subtracting unlike fractions escape room in your classroom. The resource contains:

• Escape Room Scenario –This page sets the scene for the students, explaining the scenario and the purpose of the task in detail.
• List of Possible Mixtures – This table names the five possible mixtures that the students have mistakenly made: Fizzing Fluorescent Fluid, Glimmering Gel, Smoky Serum, Bouncing Blue Brew and Vibrant Volatile Vile.
• Student Challenges – Students will unlock clues by completing four subtracting unlike fractions worksheets. Each clue will allow them to eliminate a mystery mixture.
• Answers – For the teacher’s eyes only! Do not distribute these pages to your students.

Students could work on this escape room independently, or you could add an element of friendly competition by having the students work together in teams. Add an extra element of excitement by placing a time limit on the task – once the time runs out, the mystery mixture remains unidentified!

Download to Subtract Unlike Fractions

Use the Download button to access your preferred file format.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing this booklet double-sided. Be sure to remove the answer pages before distributing the resource to your students!

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a Teach Starter collaborator.

Teaching Fractions Is a Breeze with Teach Starter!

We know that a variety of resources is essential when teaching maths concepts such as fractions to your students. Thankfully, Teach Starter has a huge range of teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources, task cards and games to meet every learner’s needs!

teaching resource

Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions Bingo

Download this fractions bingo game to get your students adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.

teaching resource

Subtracting Unlike Fractions Teaching Slides

Teach your students how to subtract fractions with unlike denominators using a variety of strategies with this comprehensive slide deck.

teaching resource

Adding Fractions With Unlike Denominators Task Cards

Get your students to add fractions with unlike denominators using this set of task cards focusing on a variety of strategies.