Negative Numbers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Negative Numbers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this negative numbers puzzle set for my 5th graders during our math unit. The kids could read positive numbers but got confused when we went below zero, especially on thermometers and number lines. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like negative, positive, zero, below zero, minus sign, temperature, degrees, cold, debt, owe, number line, left, right, greater, and smaller. Examples include -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -10, and comparing -5 and -10. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the negative number concept finally stick.

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 -10 is colder or warmer than -5. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple thermometer and below zero drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 5th through 6th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write which is larger -8 or -3 on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.