Periodic Table Word Maze#04

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Periodic Table Word Maze#04

Looking for teacher resources for academic chemistry? This periodic table word maze puzzle challenges students with a list of 20 periodic elements that, when letter paths are traced, create a maze within the word search grid. Word search answers included with file download.

Solve the puzzle:
-start with the circled letter
-start to trace the letter path of the first word, watching for letter paths traveling forwards, backwards, up, and down; paths do not travel diagonally, nor do they cross
-at the end of the first word, locate the beginning of the second word; continue tracing the letter path to its end
-repeat the above process until all letter paths are traced
-check off the word clues as they are found, to track progress
-once solved, the letter paths create a maze like effect within the grid

Lesson plan resource ideas:
1. foster independence: have students CREATE unique word search puzzles using the list of word clues and blank word search grids located here: blank word search template grids
2. challenge students' critical thinking skills when they IDENTIFY and ORGANIZE the list of elements by: a) stability/instability of isotopes, b) toxicity levels (least to most/most to least), c) atomic number/weight/mass, d) period, e) group, f) ancient/modern
3. foster INNOVATIVE thinking by having students combine the elements from this list, with other known elements, to create compounds (e.g. Carbon + Oxygen = CO2)

Benefits of using puzzles:
1. activates problem solving strategies
2. critical thinking skills
3. engages the brain