Chemistry Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Chemistry Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this chemistry vocabulary puzzle set for my 4th graders during our matter unit. The kids had heard of atoms and elements but got lost when I introduced molecules, compounds, or the periodic table. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like chemistry, matter, atom, molecule, element, compound, mixture, reaction, physical change, chemical change, solid, liquid, gas, periodic table, and formula. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the vocabulary 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 water is an element or a compound. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple beaker and molecule dot drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one difference between an element and a compound on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.