Periodic Table Puzzles Worksheet Set

Common Elements Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this common elements vocabulary puzzle set for my Grade 4 students during our chemistry unit. The kids had heard of oxygen and gold but couldn't name other common elements or what they're used for. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like metal, metalloid, halogen, noble gas, alkali, isotope, ion, electron, period, and group. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the names stick.

The PDFs are six pages. Three puzzles, each with its own answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about which element makes balloons float. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple element symbol drawings like O, H, C, and Au but nothing too busy.

Works for Grades 3–5. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers pick three elements and write one thing each is used for on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.