Cell Parts and Functions word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Cell Parts and Functions word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this cell parts and functions puzzle set for my 4th graders during our life science unit. The kids had heard of cells but couldn't keep straight what the nucleus, mitochondria, or cell membrane actually do. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like nucleus, mitochondria, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast, vacuole, ribosome, golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, plant cell, animal cell, function, control center, and energy. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the parts and their jobs finally stick.

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 which part is the "brain" of the cell. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple cell diagrams with labels pointing to a few parts but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers pick three cell parts and write what each one does on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.