Elements of the Periodic Table word search, scramble and crossword puz

Elements of the Periodic Table word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this elements of the periodic table puzzle set for my 4th graders during our chemistry unit. The kids had seen the periodic table on the wall but had no idea what those letters and numbers actually meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like element, atom, symbol, proton, neutron, electron, atomic number, atomic mass, periodic table, metal, nonmetal, oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, gold, iron, and helium. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the basic vocabulary sink in before we dive deeper.

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 what the "O" stands for on the table. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple box drawings like a mini periodic table square but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers look at a real periodic table and write down three element symbols on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.