Equivalent Expressions & Combining Like Terms with Distributions 7th Grade Math

Can your students add and subtract linear expressions, combine like terms, and form equivalent expressions with distribution in order to escape the bunker? This fun and engaging math activity is based on seventh grade math standard 7.EE.A.1. Four engaging puzzles will have students combining like terms to discover a combination, simplify expressions that include distribution to find a locker combination, sorting equivalent expressions to unlock a door, and much more! This digital escape room activity uses operations with integers (both positive and negative numbers), but does not include problems fractions or decimals. Please note that while this escape room is based on 7th grade math standards, it can be used with advanced 6th graders, or for review and practice for 8th grade.

This digital escape room is easy to implement. There are no clues to hide & no answers to check. Students will not be able to progress through the puzzles until correct answers are entered. An internet connected device will be required to complete this activity which uses a Google Form™ to automate the breakout process. Please note that Google™ accounts ARE NOT required. There are two optional printable pages to help students work through puzzles. Digital versions of the puzzle helpers are also available to make this activity completely accessible for distance learning.

Math skills required to solve the puzzles:

• Add and subtract linear expressions
• Factor and distribute to form equivalent expressions
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative numbers (this escape room uses integers only, no fractions and decimals are included)
• Recognize the parts of a linear expression such as the coefficient and constants
• Combine like terms

What's included in the PDF?

• Quickstart guide with link to escape room
• Optional link for Google Drive™ users to create a copy of the form to save to their own drives in order to view student results.
• Optional printable student recording page and puzzle helper (with optional digital versions)
• Answer key & teacher tips
• Success signs to snap photos with after completing the activity (optional)

FAQ

• Do students need to have Gmail™ accounts? NO! Anyone with internet access and a tablet, computer, or even phone can complete the breakout.
• How long will this take? That is the hardest question as the answer varies depending on each classroom, student, or group. Most students will be able to complete this activity in under 45 minutes. You can allow 60 minutes to be safe. The form will only save data if students are signed into Google accounts, so if you are worried about your students not finishing on time, simply have them write their answers on scratch paper. They can then come back and quickly re-enter their answers and pick up where they left off. Some students with a firm grasp on the concepts covered in this escape room will be able to complete the puzzles very quickly (20-30 minutes), others will take longer.
• Can this be used for remote learning? Yes! This product is designed to be able to be completed completely online and can be done in-person, for distance learning, or hybrid models. Students will need a device and internet connection.
• Will students have to search the web to figure out the puzzles? NO! All of the information needed will be provided in the Google Form™. The math in this activity is all standards-based.

Escape rooms are a great way to provide extra practice for students, review for tests, or provide enrichment. Take a break from worksheets and get your students excited about math!

View all of our digital breakouts for 7th grade math standards

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