The Skeletal System word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

The Skeletal System word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this skeletal system puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our human body unit. The kids knew they had bones but couldn't name the skull, ribs, or spine or explain what bones actually do. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like skull, ribs, spine, femur, pelvis, humerus, patella, bone, joint, cartilage, calcium, marrow, support, protect, and move. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the bone names and functions 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 how many bones are in the human body. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple bone outline drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name three bones and where they are located on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.