Biography of a Mathematician word search, scramble and crossword puzzl

Biography of a Mathematician word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this biography of a mathematician puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our math and history unit. The kids could name a few mathematicians but had no idea what words like equation, formula, or discovery meant when we read about their lives. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like mathematician, equation, formula, discovery, solve, theorem, calculate, number, pattern, and proof. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the mathematician biography vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether a theorem is the same as a theory. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple pi symbol, calculator, and math equations drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one fact about a mathematician they have studied on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.