Periodic Table Scrambled #01

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Periodic Table Scrambled #01

Are you a academic science educator looking for engaging and challenging lesson plan resources for the periodic table? This elements puzzle has a list of 20 scrambled word clues whose letter paths include one right hand turn! That is why puzzle is called a wordangle puzzle!

Solve the puzzle:
-rearrange the scrambled letters to reveal the hidden words; record the correct spelling
-review the revealed list of words to engage the brain
-word paths travel horizontally, forwards, backwards, vertically, but not diagonally
-remember that some word paths DO cross
-locate the circled letters representing the first letter of each element
-trace the word paths: remember the right hand turn
-track progress: check off words as they are located in the grid

Lesson plan ideas:
1. have students CREATE word search puzzles to exchange with peers to solve [use blank word search grids found at the link below]
2. IDENTIFY elements with multiple isotopes and describe their variations (e.g. Carbon-12, Carbon-13, Carbon-14,etc)
3. ORGANIZE the list of words by a) period and/or b) group
4. use list of words as research prompts (e.g. how were some of the elements named? (e.g. Curium))
5. combine the elements, where possible, to create new compounds
6. encourage students to create other brain teaser puzzles: crossword puzzles, scrambled letters puzzles, cryptograms, cryptolists

Blank word search grids found here: blank word searches.

Benefits of solving puzzles:
1. support brain health
2. improve memory
3. activate problem solving strategies and critical thinking skills
4. support visual acuity