Variables and Expressions word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Variables and Expressions word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this variables and expressions puzzle set for my 5th graders during our algebra unit. The kids could solve problems with numbers but got confused when letters showed up in math. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like variable, letter, symbol, unknown, expression, term, coefficient, constant, operation, plus, minus, times, divided by, evaluate, and substitute. Examples include x + 5, 3y - 2, 4n, and a/2. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the algebra 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 2x means 2 times x or the number 2x. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple x and question mark drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 5th through 6th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write an expression for "a number plus 7" on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.