⭐ This 5th grade math escape room focuses on adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Your fifth graders will solve word problems using mixed numbers, unlike denominators, and equivalent fractions as they make their way through the candy factory. Custom videos tell the story along the way, making this printable and digital resource activity an engaging and immersive experience.

“You’ve earned your way into my candy factory. I’m looking for the best of the best to take over my operation. Prove you can make candy better than the rest and I’ll give you the keys to my factory.”

⚷ To earn the key to the factory, students must complete four unique challenges. Each challenge contains a set of math problems that must be solved to continue. Students unlock secret codes that help them complete each challenge as they progress through the candy factory.

This activity can be used in any classroom to develop the following skills:

✅ Adding Fractions Word Problems

✅ Subtracting Fractions Word Problems

✅ Adding Mixed Numbers Word Problems

✅ Subtracting Mixed Numbers Word Problems

✨This math escape room comes in the following digital and printable formats:

• Webscape™ Format – This web-based format provides the most interactive and immersive experience possible. It is self directed, self correcting, and contains audio. CLICK HERE to try it for yourself! You won’t believe how engaging this format is until you try it!

• Google Format – Students complete the exercises in Google Slides. The Factory Decoding Tool is a Google Sheet that self-corrects and tells each student when they can continue to the next challenge.

• Printable Format – Students can use any device to scan QR codes to watch the videos. If no device is available, students can skip the videos and still enjoy the exercise. Students use a printable Factory Decoding Tool and answer sheet to decipher the clues and track their answers.

⭐ Integrated videos, thematic items, and a candy factory back story come together to engage students while developing and enforcing several standards-based mathematics skills.

The Webscape and Google Slides versions are self-grading; however, these versions are created to require critical thinking. Students are NOT told which answers are incorrect to prevent guessing and encourage students to think critically about the clues and their responses.

*Please note: The Google Slides format includes embedded videos that are hosted via YouTube. The printable version includes QR codes for these videos. If you plan on using Google or printable formats, please ensure you and your students have access to YouTube. The Webscape version does not require YouTube.

Key Features:

✏️ Digital & Printable Versions – Webscape, Google, and print versions make this resource perfect for any classroom. The digital version can be used dynamically in the classroom as a presentation while students complete each mathematical question in groups or individually.

✏️ Immersive Experience: Candy factory themed, dynamic challenges, and engaging videos provide positive reinforcement and keep students engaged and focused.

✏️ Skill Focused: Each problem focuses on the key mathematics skills of adding and subtraction fractions and mixed numbers and solving word problems using fractions and mixed numbers. Aligned to 5.NF.A.1 and 5.NF.A.2.

✏️ Scaffolded Challenges: Challenges increase in difficulty as students progress through the escape room.

✏️ No Prep/ Low Prep: Digital versions require NO PREP. The printable version is low prep. Just print the pages, place them in folders, and go! The printable version has the option to incorporate technology and videos through QR codes.

What’s Included:

5th Grade Add & Subtract Fractions “Candy Factory” Escape Room

• Printable and Digital Directions
• Candy Man Invitation Letter
• Challenge #1: Add fractions with unlike denominators to make the marshmallows.
• Challenge #2: Subtract fractions with unlike denominators to make the cotton candy.
• Challenge #3: Analyze errors in fraction problems to make the fun-size chocolate.
• Challenge #4: Solve the fraction word problems to make the sprinkles.
• Keys to the Factory Certificate
• Ooops Cards
• Recording Brochure
• Answer Key

Digital Version Links

• Google Slides Link for Digital Escape Room
• Google Forms Link for Decoding Tool
• Webscape Link

Take a closer look at what this resource looks like in this video preview.

Please Note: This escape room is similar to the 4th grade version but with problems and skills at a 5th grade level.