Integers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Integers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this integers puzzle set for my 5th graders during our math unit. The kids had heard of negative numbers like below zero temperatures but had no idea what words like integer, positive, or absolute value meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like integer, positive, negative, zero, number line, opposite, absolute value, greater than, less than, add, subtract, temperature, debt, sea level, and above/below. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the integer terms 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 zero is positive or negative. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple thermometer and number line drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 5th through 6th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write the opposite of -7 on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.