Algebra Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Algebra Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this algebra vocabulary puzzle set for my 5th graders during our pre-algebra unit. The kids could do arithmetic but had no idea what a variable, expression, or equation was. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like variable, constant, coefficient, expression, equation, inequality, solve, evaluate, substitute, term, like terms, simplify, balance, isolate, and unknown. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the algebra terms finally click.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether 3x + 2 is an expression or an equation. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple x and balance scale drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 5th through 6th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write an expression with a variable on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.