Geometry & Coordinates Challenge

Turn your maths classroom into a crime scene! In this engaging Maths Murder Mystery, students work as investigators to solve a fictional murder by cracking a series of mathematical clues. Each correctly solved clue eliminates half of the suspects, gradually narrowing the field until the murderer is revealed.

This resource is structured around five interconnected clues, each targeting a different mathematical skill set. Students apply their understanding of 2D and 3D shapes, angles, compass directions, coordinates, and logical decoding to uncover key information about the suspect. The task encourages problem-solving, perseverance, collaboration, and mathematical reasoning in a highly motivating, game-based format .

The activity works perfectly as:

A revision task

A collaborative group challenge

An end-of-term enrichment lesson

A relief or extension activity

Minimal preparation is required, and the mystery narrative keeps students engaged from start to finish.

Key Maths Skills Covered

Properties of 2D and 3D shapes

Angle reasoning and angle–letter codes

Compass directions and spatial movement

Cartesian coordinates

Logical reasoning and decoding

What’s Included

Full murder mystery scenario

Five maths-based clues with escalating challenge

Suspect list and structured elimination process

Complete worked solutions for teachers