Description
The Christopher Columbus Puzzle Stations activity will allow students to move around the classroom, reading comprehension passages, answering questions and solving puzzles! The puzzles have students decode interesting facts about European explorer Christopher Columbus, his voyages, Columbus Day and the controversy of Columbus.
The puzzles at each station allow students to decode new knowledge! The puzzles include ciphers, Morse code, cryptograms and a final 4 digit code based on the decoders/clues. This is a NO PREP, PRINT & GO activity!
What’s Included?
- 4 Reading Passages
- 4 Puzzle Phrases to Decode
- 4 Decoders
- 4 Differentiated Decoders
- 10 Multiple Choice Questions
- Teacher Instructions
- Answer Key
- Hint Guides – How To Decode
- Completion Signs
Watch the video or click on the preview button to take a closer look at everything included!
Skills Used:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Peer Collaboration
- Problem Solving
To prevent students from simply decoding the puzzles, ALL questions need to be answered correctly in order to solve the final code. This ensures understanding!
Benefits of Use:
- No Prep
- Print and Go
- Cross-Curricular
- Highly Engaging
- No Locks Needed
- No silly envelopes to stuff
- No fancy shapes to cut out
Give students a chance to decode puzzles, move around the room, and read passages, all while actively learning! Students will work in pairs (or individually) and race against the clock. A friendly competition always increases engagement. No prior knowledge is needed. Each code will reveal interesting facts about the topic.
Puzzle Types:
- Cryptogram
- Morse Code
- PigPen Cipher
- Polybius Square
Options for Use:
- Anticipatory Sets
- Unit Review
- Early Finishers
- Gallery Walk
- Stations
- Sub Plans
- Rewards
Click HERE to grab a F-R-E-E Color by Number Activity!
»»» Thinktivity™ Reading Passages : Click HERE
»»» Comprehension Challenge and CSI Spy Mystery: Click HERE
»»» Printable ESCAPE ROOMS: Click HERE
»»» Text Marking Detective: Click HERE
»»» Scavenger Hunts: Click HERE
»»» Digital Secret Message Activities: Click HERE
»»» Puzzle Breakouts: Click HERE
»»» Interactive Google Slides™: Click HERE
»»» Digital ESCAPE ROOMS: Click HERE
»»» Color by Number – Text Marking: Click HERE
»»» Digital Reading Passages: Click HERE
»»» Task Card Review Games: Click HERE
»»» Interactive Game Boards: Click HERE
»»» Reading Passages and Text Marking: Click HERE
»»» Back to School: Click HERE
»»» Collaborative Posters: Click HERE
»»» Digital Interactive Notebooks: Click HERE
»»» Grades 3 and 4 Escape Rooms: Click HERE
Copyright Information : © Think Tank Teacher LLC. Please note – all material included in this resource belongs to Think Tank Teacher LLC. By purchasing, you have a license to use the material but you do not own the material. You may not upload any portion of this resource to the internet in any format, including school/personal websites or network drives unless the site is password protected and can only be accessed by students, not other teachers or anyone else on the internet.
Melanie C. –
Students are tasked with so many ways to show their learning with these puzzles. The final code at the end always clues me in to who was really paying attention while they read.
Melissa G. –
This was a good resource to get kids up and moving. I thought it would be a lot harder for my kids, but they did a great job. I do think the directions for the puzzles could be a little bit clearer.
Lincoln F. –
This is a very engaging resource that keeps the children engaged in their learning.
Callie K. –
This was a great activity to do after learning about Chistopher Columbus. I used this on a Friday afternoon. The students enjoyed doing this.
Mary L. –
I used this with my 5-8th grade Social Studies classes. Yes, one of the puzzles was extremely hard for my 5/6 students, but the cooperative work and need to think logically is good for them. The 7th and 8th graders had a bit easier time, but still only one team solved all four puzzles during the class time. -About 40 minutes. All four grades enjoyed the activity and learned.
Sarah K. –
My students had a blast with this activity. I used it in the beginning of my explorers unit
Samantha N. –
I love using these escape rooms with our social studies unit. The articles are super engaging and accessible for students. They love solving the different codes and it is so easy to do a quick check with students.
Lorie B. –
Easy to use and student-friendly. Students were really engaged. My students love these! I post the clues around the room in plastic sleeves…students know what to do.
April W. –
This was a fun and challenging resource to wrap up our study on Christopher Columbus. The puzzles are very challenging but I had several groups of students figure them out while others needed guidance and then had no problem. I love that it challenges them while also offers a different way to learn about the subject. Thank you!
Staci S. –
My students really enjoyed this fun activity that helped them learn problem solving skills, as well as extra added information about Columbus Day.
Mrs K saves the Day –
Another great puzzle! My students really enjoyed this activity. Thank you for sharing!
THE CLASS APPLE –
Perfect activity to leave with my sub when I unexpectedly found myself home with a kid with Covid. Students stayed on task. The assignment and how it is put together was on point and I will use it again in the future.
emily G. –
I LOVE these activites! They are really informative and engaging to students. They love them.
Lynda W. –
Love this!! My students had so much fun figuring these out! It was fun, but they also found it challenging – even the kids who seem like they’re bored no matter what I try. Thank you!
Lindsay F –
Thank you so much! Such an engaging resource! This is just what I have been looking for! My students just wanted more!
Nikki B. –
I turned this escape room into a challenge between my classes to encourage team work and problem solving and it went super well! Every student found a puzzle/code they felt confident in and was able to help others to solve the case.
Nicole B. –
I love the use of puzzle stations to make learning about Christopher Columbus and exploration more engaging.
Carole M. –
I love giving my scholars a variety of morning work. They loved the resource.
Bethani C. –
My class loved this activity. They had fun trying to decipher all the puzzles.
The Bookworm in Fifth –
I love all of Think Tank’s escape room activities! This is the perfect addition to our unit on Explorers! 🙂