🕵️ Place Value Detectives

Differentiated Place Value Math Project

Turn your students into real-life crime-solving detectives with this engaging, differentiated Place Value Math Project!

As students launch their own detective agency, they must solve 5 mysterious “crimes” using their place value knowledge. Each case requires critical thinking, logical reasoning, and strong number sense skills.

Even better? Several pages include multiple versions to maximize differentiation!

📦 What’s Included

✔ Original 8-Page Student Project

✔ Answer Keys

✔ Google Slides™ Version (Original)

✔ NEW: Less-Text Google Slides Version (more interactive & easier navigation)

✔ NEW: Less-Text Printable PDF Version

✔ 4 Additional Pages with Larger Numbers (up to the millions) for differentiation

🆕 About the Less-Text Versions

The Less-Text Versions include ALL the same content and tasks, but:

• Pages are split for easier navigation
• Total of 12 pages instead of 8
• Designed for students who struggle with heavy text
• Digital version includes more interactive elements

Perfect for students who need a simplified layout without lowering rigor.

🔢 Skills Covered

Students will apply:

✔ Place Value

✔ Expanded Form

✔ Standard Form

✔ Word Form

✔ Rounding

✔ Comparing Numbers

🧠 What Makes This Project Different?

This is not just practice — it’s problem solving with purpose.

Students must:

• Analyze clues
• Use process of elimination
• Apply place value knowledge
• Think critically
• Justify their reasoning

Most pages require higher-level thinking, making this an excellent enrichment or extension activity.

🎯 Differentiation Options

✔ 4 pages include two different options

✔ Additional pages with larger numbers (up to millions)

✔ Option to remove more complex pages for support

Aligned for Grades 2–4, but strongly recommended for Grade 3+ due to the complexity of solving the “crimes.”

🏫 Perfect For

✔ Math projects

✔ Enrichment

✔ Small group work

✔ Math workshop

✔ Independent challenges

✔ Digital or printable instruction

Your students won’t just practice place value — they’ll live it as they crack cases and solve number mysteries!

Be sure to check the preview to see all student pages included.