ELL Science Vocabulary for Newcomers word search, scramble and crosswo

ELL Science Vocabulary for Newcomers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this science vocabulary puzzle set for my newcomer ELL students during our first science unit. The kids knew some basic words but had no idea what words like soil, plant, or water meant in the context of science. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like plant, animal, water, air, sun, soil, rock, land, ocean, cloud, rain, snow, wind, and earth. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the basic science vocabulary finally stick for students who are new to English.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or independent work. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether soil and dirt are the same thing. The crossword I use for partners or as a warm-up before a lesson. I added a couple simple plant, cloud, and soil drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for K through 3rd grade, especially for English learners who need extra visual support. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers draw one science word and label it on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.