Primary Source and Secondary Source Vocabulary Puzzles

Primary Source Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this primary source vocabulary puzzle set for my 4th graders during our social studies unit. The kids could look at old documents but had no idea what words like primary source, secondary source, or artifact meant when we talked about learning history from evidence. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like primary source, secondary source, artifact, document, letter, diary, photograph, map, newspaper, and evidence. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the primary source 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 indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether a textbook is a primary or secondary source. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple old letter, photograph, and magnifying glass drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one example of a primary source they have seen on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.