Changes in Matter word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Changes in Matter word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this changes in matter puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our physical science unit. The kids could see ice melt and water boil but couldn't explain the difference between physical and chemical changes. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like physical change, chemical change, melting, freezing, boiling, condensation, evaporate, dissolve, burn, rust, cook, bake, new substance, reversible, and irreversible. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the difference 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 whether tearing paper is a physical or chemical change. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple before and after drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers list two physical changes and two chemical changes on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.