Genetics and Heredity word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Genetics and Heredity word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this genetics and heredity puzzle set for my 4th graders during our life science unit. The kids knew kids looked like their parents but had no idea why or what words like DNA, gene, or trait meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like DNA, gene, trait, heredity, inherit, parent, offspring, dominant, recessive, eye color, hair color, height, chromosome, cell, and nucleus. 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 you get more traits from mom or dad. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple family and double helix squiggle drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers list three traits people can inherit on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.