Grade 7 Pre-Algebra Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puz

Grade 7 Pre-Algebra Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this pre-algebra vocabulary puzzle set for my 7th graders during our math unit. The kids could do the calculations but kept mixing up terms like variable, coefficient, and constant when we started using more formal algebra vocabulary. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like variable, coefficient, constant, expression, equation, inequality, term, like terms, simplify, evaluate, solve, isolate, and inverse . I also included a few like "linear" and "function" because they kept coming up in our class discussions . Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or independent practice. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about the spelling of "coefficient" (it's a tricky one) or whether a constant and a coefficient are the same thing (they're not—they always have opinions about it) . The crossword I use for partners or as a review, and I usually have examples of each term written on the board or an anchor chart nearby for the kids who need the visual support to see the differences . I added a couple simple x and number examples but nothing too busy.

Works for 7th through 8th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write an expression with a variable and label the coefficient and constant on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.