September 11th Word Search, Scramble, and Crossword Puzzle

During our modern history unit, I created this September 11th puzzle set for my fifth-graders. I tackled this one with extreme caution since some children have emotional or familial ties. The children had heard the date, but they had no idea what had happened or why we remembered it. I used words like September 11, 2001, terrorist, attack, twin towers, Pentagon, flight, hero, firefighter, police, rescue, remember, honor, united, and never forget to create a word search, word scramble, and crossword puzzle. Just polite language to aid in their understanding—nothing graphic.

There are four pages in the PDF. One answer key sheet and three riddles. After recess, the word search is a great way to pass the time. They ask genuine questions about what heroes did that day, which sparks conversation during the scramble. After a class discussion, I assign a crossword to my partners. I didn't sketch anything disturbing or violent, just a light and the American flag.
Only suitable for fifth graders. Print and go, but only after a thorough conversation. I occasionally ask early finishers to write on the back how Americans pulled together in the wake of 9/11. The children treat this with dignity.