Sure! Here’s a puzzle that gradually increases in difficulty:

Step 1: Solve the following math equation: 2 + 3 x 4 - 5 = ?

Step 2: Now, solve this equation using the order of operations: 2 + (3 x 4) - 5 = ?

Step 3: Solve the equation using the order of operations and exponents: 2 + (3 x 4^2) - 5 = ?

Step 4: Solve the equation using the order of operations, exponents, and square roots: 2 + (3 x √(4^2)) - 5 = ?

Step 5: Solve the equation using the order of operations, exponents, square roots, and fractions: 2 + (3 x √(4^2)) - (5/2) = ?

Step 6: Solve the equation using the order of operations, exponents, square roots, fractions, and decimals: 2 + (3 x √(4^2)) - (5/2) + 0.5 = ?

Each step introduces a new concept or operation, making the puzzle increasingly more challenging for grade 8 students.