Periodic Table Scrambled #06( ) |
Are you an educator looking for engaging and challenging resources for the periodic table? Here is a table of elements wordangle puzzle with a list of 20 scrambled word clues, many of which have letter paths that include one right hand turn!
Problem solving strategies could include (not in any order):
-locate circled letters, which are the beginning letters for each element, and then trace the letter paths
-rearrange the scrambled letters to reveal the hidden words
-record the correct spelling to speed up the process of tracing the letter paths after locating the circled letters
-review the updated list of words prior to solving the puzzle
-use prior knowledge about wordangle puzzles: most letter paths cross; word paths travel forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically, but not diagonally;
-trace, or circle word paths
-track progress by checking off the words
-work with a peer, or group of peers, to solve the puzzle
Lesson plan activity ideas:
1. have students CREATE their own word search puzzles using blank word search grids [link to grids: blank word searches]
2. IDENTIFY which elements in the list are: toxic/non-toxic, stable/unstable (remember to include isotopes), natural element/laboratory discovered, ancient/modern
3. ORGANIZE the list of elements by a) number of stable/unstable isotopes, b) toxicity (least to most), c) atomic number/weight/mass, d) period, e) group. f) ancient/modern
4. use list of words as research prompts (e.g. details about element's, and related isotopes, discovery, stable vs unstable elements, which elements can be combined to create new compounds?)
5. combine the elements from the list, where possible, to create new compounds (e.g. Hydrogen + Oxygen = H20)
Benefits of using puzzles to complement programming:
1. supports brain health
2. improves memory
3. supports visual acuity
4. activates problem solving strategies and critical thinking skills