Percentages Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this percentages vocabulary puzzle set for my 5th graders during our math unit. The kids had heard of 50% off sales but had no idea what percent meant or how it related to fractions and decimals. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like percent, percentage, out of 100, fraction, decimal, equivalent, convert, part, whole, 100%, half, quarter, tenth, discount, interest, and increase. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the percent 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 50% means half of something. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple 100 grid and sale tag drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write 25% as a fraction and a decimal on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.