Description
The Hurricanes Puzzle Stations will take students on a secret mission around the classroom, reading comprehension passages, and answering questions! This activity has students decode interesting facts about natural disasters, causes and types of hurricanes, names, typhoons, cyclones, Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The Hurricanes Puzzle Stations is a great reading comprehension activity with a twist of fun that has students deciphering codes. The codes include ciphers, morse code, cryptograms, Polybius squares, 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.
Lucielle M. –
The Hurricanes Puzzle Stations were a huge hit in my classroom! This activity does an excellent job combining reading comprehension with critical thinking and problem‑solving through engaging code‑breaking challenges. My students loved the “secret mission” feel and were fully invested as they decoded ciphers, morse code, cryptograms, and Polybius squares to uncover fascinating facts about hurricanes and related natural disasters.
Jennifer D. –
I’m so awful about not leaving reviews on TpT even though I love this site so much! The kids LOVED this activity! High engagement, and now they’re asking can they do another one in my advanced STEM class. I know this took time to create, but it was well worth it! My kids had a blast and learned at the same time.
Brandy K. –
Great resource for review. Students enjoyed the activity.
Lauren Sexton Designs –
My students loved this. It was super interesting and had them all intrigued.
Superb in Third –
My students were highly engaged in completing these stations. I used this resource as a fun end of the unit task before they created their models.
Jennifer Schawel –
Perfect for what I needed it for! My students enjoyed the activity.
Cara G. –
fun hands on activity that kept the students engaged.
Sarah Reynolds –
Thank you!
Rochelle M. –
My students loved using this resource during centers. They were able to work together to solve their puzzles.
William A. –
The students loved this and had a blast!!!
stalena B. –
Great resource!!!
Laura S. –
Extremely easy to use and very engaging