🔎 Stranger ThingsGrade 5Reading: grades 5-6MultiplicationSkip countingWord problemsSubtractionMissing addends
The Shadows of Maple Creek
A strange creature from a parallel shadow realm has breached Maple Creek. Help Detective Vance decipher the secret clues, decode the evidence, and uncover the villain before the portal opens forever.
Suspects
Possible suspects
Cross off a row as each clue rules it out. On screen, tap a row.
21 of 21 still in play
| Name | Main Gadget | Shadow Ability | Observational Tell | Hair Style | Disruption Tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph Quinn | Walkie Talkie | Shadow Camouflage | Left Handed | Shag Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Cara Buono | Walkie Talkie | Portal Spark | Right Handed | Curly Mullet | Waffle Batter |
| Matthew Modine | Flashlight Array | Portal Spark | Left Handed | Curly Mullet | Bright Strobe |
| Priah Ferguson | Ham Radio | Mind Probe | Left Handed | Curly Mullet | Bright Strobe |
| Caleb McLaughlin | Super Magnet | Portal Spark | Left Handed | Buzz Cut | Waffle Batter |
| Gaten Matarazzo | Walkie Talkie | Echo Screech | Right Handed | Shag Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Winona Vance | Super Magnet | Mind Probe | Left Handed | Buzz Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Finn Wolf | Super Magnet | Telekinesis | Right Handed | Shag Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Joe Keery | Ham Radio | Echo Screech | Right Handed | Shag Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Tommy Hawkins | Slingshot | Telekinesis | Right Handed | Shag Cut | Waffle Batter |
| Sadie Sink | Flashlight Array | Portal Spark | Left Handed | Buzz Cut | Bright Strobe |
| David Harbour | Flashlight Array | Shadow Camouflage | Right Handed | Buzz Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Sean Astin | Flashlight Array | Telekinesis | Right Handed | Buzz Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Noah Schnapp | Slingshot | Portal Spark | Right Handed | Shag Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Eduardo Franco | Flashlight Array | Portal Spark | Left Handed | Shag Cut | Waffle Batter |
| Brett Gelman | Super Magnet | Mind Probe | Left Handed | Curly Mullet | Static Noise |
| Paul Reiser | Super Magnet | Mind Probe | Right Handed | Shag Cut | Waffle Batter |
| Sammy Byers | Slingshot | Shadow Camouflage | Right Handed | Buzz Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Maya Hawke | Ham Radio | Shadow Camouflage | Left Handed | Shag Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Shannon Purser | Walkie Talkie | Mind Probe | Right Handed | Shag Cut | Bright Strobe |
| Dacre Montgomery | Super Magnet | Portal Spark | Right Handed | Shag Cut | Bright Strobe |
Clue 1
Multiplication facts (1-12)
To power up the decoder radar, Detective Vance calculated total signal pulses across the sensor grid arrays.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
T
70
6
49
40
18
81
81
45
18
12
22
108
49
144
12
108
T
70
3
144
49
77
108
54
T
70
45
81
144
77
45
54
80
10 × 7 =T
7 × 7 =E
3 × 6 =I
11 × 2 =D
9 × 6 =R
8 × 10 =K
9 × 9 =L
12 × 12 =S
1 × 3 =U
3 × 2 =H
9 × 5 =A
7 × 11 =P
6 × 2 =N
12 × 9 =O
5 × 8 =V
0/15 letters found
Clue 2
Skip counting
Searching the dark hallway, the team counted the flickering portal lights in rhythmic jump patterns.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
F
16
25
25
35
14
36
90
18
35
60
60
55
25
140
65
36
90
40
55
35
55
65
18
9
110
9
35
55
36
110
65
35
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, ___, 18, 20F
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, ___, 100, 110I
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, ___, 16, 18P
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, ___, 120, 130E
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, ___, 150, 160W
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, ___, 50, 60G
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, ___, 39, 42R
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, ___, 70, 80S
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, ___, 12, 15D
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, ___, 20, 22N
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, ___, 60, 65H
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, ___, 70, 75A
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, ___, 40, 45T
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, ___, 30, 35O
0/14 letters found
Clue 3
Word problems
The lab technician reviewed supply logs to track how many energy packs were stolen from the generator room.
Solve each problem to learn its letter, then write the letters in the boxes to fill in the missing word.
Someonescaredthevillainoffwith .
B
79
32
114
118
91
31
113
31
32
O
B
79
E
There were 101 battery packs. 22 were used up. How many battery packs are left?B
AV Club Director found 74 battery packs yesterday and 40 more today. How many battery packs in all?I
There were 38 waffle boxes. 7 were used up. How many waffle boxes are left?T
AV Club Director found 67 waffle boxes yesterday and 24 more today. How many waffle boxes in all?H
AV Club Director lined up 4 rows of 8 waffle boxes. How many waffle boxes in all?R
There were 147 flashlight bulbs. 29 were used up. How many flashlight bulbs are left?G
AV Club Director found 41 cassette tapes yesterday and 72 more today. How many cassette tapes in all?S
0/7 letters found
Clue 4
Subtraction
Comparing total power drain before and after the rift strike revealed missing voltage units.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
E
5412
7405
3536
2909
E
5412
2951
4908
E
5412
3638
1464
3536
2951
8581
4343
8581
1464
3759
4343
4356
3759
6286
4908
1937
8581
4343
1937
4343
3638
E
5412
4908
8581
7934 - 2522 =E
6755 - 3804 =N
6550 - 2207 =S
6450 - 3541 =D
12354 - 3773 =T
7774 - 369 =V
4024 - 488 =I
4139 - 2202 =U
7917 - 1631 =G
7407 - 3051 =H
7138 - 2230 =C
4457 - 819 =P
6662 - 2903 =A
5317 - 3853 =O
0/14 letters found
Clue 5
Missing addends — the last clue
To balance the magnetic containment shield, the crew solved for the remaining charge needed in the reactor core.
First solve each problem. Then find each answer in the list below and cross that sentence out. One sentence will be left — that's exactly what the villain did!
Step 1 — solve these
6 + ___ = 14
21 + ___ = 24
33 + ___ = 42
35 + ___ = 36
15 + ___ = 21
12 + ___ = 23
6 + ___ = 10
13 + ___ = 25
4 + ___ = 9
39 + ___ = 49
33 + ___ = 35
Step 2 — cross out the sentence with each answer
1.The villain snapped the radio antenna, then ignited tiny rift sparks.
2.The villain snapped the radio antenna, then levitated the lab chairs.
3.The villain switched on the radio base, then emitted a high sonic screech.
4.The villain jammed the slingshot gear, then blended into room shadows.
5.The villain shined the strobe beam, then emitted a high sonic screech.
6.The villain jammed the slingshot gear, then ignited tiny rift sparks.
7.The villain snapped the radio antenna, then scanned the town thoughts.
8.The villain snapped the radio antenna, then emitted a high sonic screech.
9.The villain charged the giant magnet, then levitated the lab chairs.
10.The villain jammed the slingshot gear, then emitted a high sonic screech.
11.The villain charged the giant magnet, then scanned the town thoughts.
12.The villain charged the giant magnet, then ignited tiny rift sparks.
Solve it
Name the culprit
Choose the one suspect left standing.
Answer Key — The Shadows of Maple Creek
Culprit: Shannon Purser (Walkie Talkie · Mind Probe · Right Handed · Shag Cut · Bright Strobe)
- Clue 1 (Multiplication facts (1-12)): "THE VILLAIN DOES NOT USE PORTAL SPARK"10 × 7 = 70 (T) · 7 × 7 = 49 (E) · 3 × 6 = 18 (I) · 11 × 2 = 22 (D) · 9 × 6 = 54 (R) · 8 × 10 = 80 (K) · 9 × 9 = 81 (L) · 12 × 12 = 144 (S) · 1 × 3 = 3 (U) · 3 × 2 = 6 (H) · 9 × 5 = 45 (A) · 7 × 11 = 77 (P) · 6 × 2 = 12 (N) · 12 × 9 = 108 (O) · 5 × 8 = 40 (V)
- Clue 2 (Skip counting): "FOOTPRINTS SHOW A RIGHT HANDED THREAT"Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, ___, 18, 20 = 16 (F) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, ___, 100, 110 = 90 (I) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, ___, 16, 18 = 14 (P) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, ___, 120, 130 = 110 (E) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, ___, 150, 160 = 140 (W) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, ___, 50, 60 = 40 (G) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, ___, 39, 42 = 36 (R) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, ___, 70, 80 = 60 (S) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, ___, 12, 15 = 9 (D) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, ___, 20, 22 = 18 (N) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, ___, 60, 65 = 55 (H) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, ___, 70, 75 = 65 (A) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, ___, 40, 45 = 35 (T) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, ___, 30, 35 = 25 (O)
- Clue 3 (Word problems): "BRIGHT STROBE"There were 101 battery packs. 22 were used up. How many battery packs are left? = 79 (B) · AV Club Director found 74 battery packs yesterday and 40 more today. How many battery packs in all? = 114 (I) · There were 38 waffle boxes. 7 were used up. How many waffle boxes are left? = 31 (T) · AV Club Director found 67 waffle boxes yesterday and 24 more today. How many waffle boxes in all? = 91 (H) · AV Club Director lined up 4 rows of 8 waffle boxes. How many waffle boxes in all? = 32 (R) · There were 147 flashlight bulbs. 29 were used up. How many flashlight bulbs are left? = 118 (G) · AV Club Director found 41 cassette tapes yesterday and 72 more today. How many cassette tapes in all? = 113 (S)
- Clue 4 (Subtraction): "EVIDENCE POINTS TO A SHAG CUT SUSPECT"7934 - 2522 = 5412 (E) · 6755 - 3804 = 2951 (N) · 6550 - 2207 = 4343 (S) · 6450 - 3541 = 2909 (D) · 12354 - 3773 = 8581 (T) · 7774 - 369 = 7405 (V) · 4024 - 488 = 3536 (I) · 4139 - 2202 = 1937 (U) · 7917 - 1631 = 6286 (G) · 7407 - 3051 = 4356 (H) · 7138 - 2230 = 4908 (C) · 4457 - 819 = 3638 (P) · 6662 - 2903 = 3759 (A) · 5317 - 3853 = 1464 (O)
- Clue 5 (Missing addends): surviving statement (box 7) → Shannon Purser6 + ___ = 14 = 8 · 21 + ___ = 24 = 3 · 33 + ___ = 42 = 9 · 35 + ___ = 36 = 1 · 15 + ___ = 21 = 6 · 12 + ___ = 23 = 11 · 6 + ___ = 10 = 4 · 13 + ___ = 25 = 12 · 4 + ___ = 9 = 5 · 39 + ___ = 49 = 10 · 33 + ___ = 35 = 2
About this mystery
- Grade level
- Grade 5 math
- Math topics
- Multiplication, Skip counting, Word problems, Subtraction, Missing addends
- Reading level
- grades 5-6
- Theme
- The Shadows of Maple Creek — set in Maple Creek Research Lab, 1985
- Format
- Interactive online & printable worksheet with answer key
- Solution
- One unique, verified culprit among 21 suspects