Clue Crackers Worksheets
Case File: Multi-Step Word Problems
Clue Crackers Math Agency
Special Division: Multi-Step Operations & Case Analysis
Detective Name:
Date of Investigation:
The Case Cracker Method
STEP 1
Find Clues
Circle key numbers & underline the questions.
STEP 2
Plan Operations
Decide which math signs you need first and second.
STEP 3
Solve in Order
Solve step 1 first, then use that to solve step 2.
STEP 4
Case Report
Write your final answer in a complete sentence.
Case #01
The Missing Soccer Balls
Scaffolding Level: High
"The sports gym had 3 boxes of soccer balls. Each box held 8 soccer balls. During recess, students borrowed 12 of those soccer balls. How many soccer balls are left in the gym boxes?"
Clues Collected:
Number of boxes: ______
Balls in each box: ______
Balls borrowed: ______
Operation Map:
Step 1 Operation: Addition / Multiplication
Step 2 Operation: Subtraction
Step 1 Calculation:
Calculate Total Soccer Balls:
Step 2 Calculation:
Subtract Borrowed Balls:
Official Case Report:
Write your final answer as a complete sentence explaining the remaining soccer balls:
CLUE CRACKERS MATH DIVISION PAGE 1 of 2
Independent Case Studies
Clue Crackers Math Agency
Mission: Release Scaffolding to Complete Independence
Level: Intermediate
Case #02
The Cupcake Caper
Scaffolding Level: Medium
"The Sweet Treats Bakery baked 42 vanilla cupcakes and 38 chocolate cupcakes. They organized them onto platters that hold 10 cupcakes each. How many total platters did they fill?"
STEP 1: ADD TOTAL CUPCAKES Show addition workspace below:
STEP 2: DIVIDE BY PLATTER SIZE Show division/grouping workspace below:
Official Case Report:
Case #03
The Arcade High Score
Scaffolding Level: Independent (Goal Check)
"Leo earned 45 tickets playing skeeball and 15 tickets playing basketball. He wanted to buy keychains that cost 5 tickets each. How many keychains can Leo buy with all his tickets?"
Independent Detective Workspace Identify operations, solve Step 1 & 2, and label your work clearly:
Official Case Report:
CLUE CRACKERS MATH DIVISION PAGE 2 of 2
Clue Crackers Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource / IEP Alignment
Clue Crackers Teacher Guide
IEP Goals, Progress Tracker & Answer Key
EdPlan IEP Goals & Objectives
Target IEP Goal (Mathematics - Problem Solving)
Given a multi-step word problem involving operations within 100 and a graphic organizer, [Student] will correctly identify operations, compute step-by-step calculations, and state the solution in a complete sentence, to this extent: an accuracy of 80% or greater on 4 out of 5 consecutive opportunities, as measured by student worksheets and progress monitoring checklists.
Objective 1.1 Identify & Map Clues
Given a multi-step word problem, [Student] will identify key numbers, map the two operations needed, with 90% accuracy in 4 out of 5 trials.
Objective 1.2 Step-by-Step Solving
Given a multi-step word problem, [Student] will accurately calculate the intermediate and final numeric answers with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 trials.
Objective 1.3 Case Reporting
Given a solved multi-step math problem, [Student] will write a final sentence matching the numerical answer with 85% accuracy in 4 out of 5 trials.
Progress Monitoring Matrix
| Trial Date | Obj 1.1: Map (Score/3) | Obj 1.2: Solve (Score/2) | Obj 1.3: Report (Pass/Fail) | Notes & Accommodations Used |
|---|
| __/__/2026 | [ ] [ ] [ ] | [ ] [ ] | Y / N | |
| __/__/2026 | [ ] [ ] [ ] | [ ] [ ] | Y / N | |
| __/__/2026 | [ ] [ ] [ ] | [ ] [ ] | Y / N | |
| __/__/2026 | [ ] [ ] [ ] | [ ] [ ] | Y / N | |
Official Case File Answers
Case #01 Solution The Missing Soccer Balls
Step 1: 3 × 8 = 24 balls
Step 2: 24 - 12 = 12 balls
"There are 12 soccer balls left in the gym boxes."
Case #02 Solution The Cupcake Caper
Step 1: 42 + 38 = 80 cupcakes
Step 2: 80 ÷ 10 = 8 platters
"The bakery filled 8 total platters with cupcakes."
Case #03 Solution The Arcade High Score
Step 1: 45 + 15 = 60 tickets
