Research Skills Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this research skills puzzle set for my 4th graders during our library and research unit. The kids could type a question into Google but had no idea what words like source, citation, or plagiarism meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like source, primary source, secondary source, citation, bibliography, plagiarism, paraphrase, quote, summarize, keyword, database, search engine, reliable, relevant, and fact check. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the research 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. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether copying one sentence from a website is plagiarism. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple book, magnifying glass, and computer drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one reason why citing sources is important on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.