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.
Coffee Fueled Content –
My students loved this activity!
kris F. –
My kiddos love these break outs!
Nan K. –
My students love these. Many thanks!
Elaine F. –
Thank you so much for this! My students enjoyed the challenge tremendously!!
Kamesha Jones –
I love these escape rooms and my students do, also!
Gabrielle M. –
Great resource!
TechTeacher2 –
WOW! This is a phenomenal resource. It is outstanding and so easy to follow. Thanks!
robin W. –
Cant wait to use
Michelle K. –
Thanks
Tammy L. –
Great!
Kelli S. –
Easy to implement, very little prep and the kids love them. Thanks!
Amanda S. –
My class requested that I buy more!
Yvette T. –
This was a lot of fun! My students loved it! Thank you!
The Geeky History Teacher Resources –
Used this for Open House!!! Students and Parents had a BLAST!!
Fifth in the Middle –
My students really enjoyed this activity!
Lisa Fink –
Happy to hear everyone had fun 🙂
julianne zielinski –
My kids had a blast. Thanks!
Deana Elmore –
Great Resource! My class loved it!!
Lisa Fink –
Happy to hear they loved it!
Heidi M. –
Used this in my multi-age class on Columbus day, students really enjoyed it!
Lisa Fink –
Thank you! Glad they loved it!
Lesson Plans and Laundry –
Such an engaging activity!
Lisa Fink –
Thank you!