Puzzles and Games
53 Classroom Resources
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New
Phase Changes | Middle School
Activity: Alphabet Review: States of Matter and Phase Changes Mark as Favorite (0 Favorites)
In this activity, students will play a game that tasks them with recalling and reviewing information that they have learned about states of matter.
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Ionic Bonding, Molecules & Bonding, Naming Compounds, Precipitate, Solubility, Solubility Rules, Solutions | High School
Game: Precipitation Reactions Game Mark as Favorite (13 Favorites)
In this game, students explore the concepts of solubility and precipitation reactions. The game contains three difficulty levels – introductory, standard, and mastery. Bonus questions include naming compounds and identifying spectator ions.
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Measurements, Quantitative Chemistry | High School
Activity: Measurement: Crack the Code Mark as Favorite (1 Favorite)
In this activity, students will be tasked with solving questions related to the topic of chemical measurement. Each correct answer will decode a letter needed to decipher a series of riddles.
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Anode, Cathode, Electricity, Electrons | Middle School
Activity: Getting Charged Word Find Mark as Favorite (0 Favorites)
In this activity, students are challenged to see how familiar they are with the vocabulary of batteries, electrolytes, and galvanic cells. In place of a word bank, the definition for each word is given, and students must determine the words that they are searching for.
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Chemistry Basics, Introduction, Lab Safety, Review | High School, Middle School
Activity: Laboratory Equipment Scramble Mark as Favorite (0 Favorites)
In this activity, students will be challenged to solve a set of scrambled word puzzles. Each scrambled word corresponds to the name of a common piece of chemistry laboratory equipment. After solving each puzzle, students will use designated letters from each word to solve a riddle.
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Atomic Theory, History, Model of the Atom, Subatomic Particles | High School
Activity: Atomic Theory Timeline Mark as Favorite (7 Favorites)
In this activity, students will attempt to identify the historical contributions of several famous chemists and also identify the year of their work.
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Chemistry Basics, Review | High School
Activity: ChemConnections Mark as Favorite (18 Favorites)
In this activity, students will complete a series of chemistry-themed word puzzles. There are 10 puzzles of varying difficulty levels in the set; each puzzle provides 16 words which students must categorize into four groups of four items that share something in common without knowing what the categories are. Each puzzle has only one correct solution. Words that have more than one meaning and/or could fit in multiple categories will be more difficult to categorize correctly. Students will then have a chance to reflect on any of the terms or categories that were particularly tricky or unfamiliar to them.
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Activity Series, Electrochemistry, Electrons, Electron Transfer | High School
Game: Activity Series Game Mark as Favorite (6 Favorites)
In this game, students will explore the activity series of metals by pitting pairs of metals and metal ions against one another and observing which one steals electrons from the other. Students can play "capture the flag" and a pong-style game where they use ions as the ball. Two extension activities have students view videos of real-world reactions and create a particulate model of what they observed.
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Chemistry Basics, Review | High School
Activity: Chemistry Emoji Pictionary Mark as Favorite (9 Favorites)
In this activity, students will try to determine the correct chemistry related term, phrase, or item based on a provided set of emojis.
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Chemistry Basics, Elements, Review | Middle School
Activity: Chemistry Pyramids Mark as Favorite (5 Favorites)
In this activity, students will use the periodic table, combined with math and logic to solve several chemistry themed pyramid puzzles. In a traditional pyramid puzzle, there is a relationship between the numbers, which is used to determine the missing numbers. In all of these chemistry pyramids, each element symbol is determined by the sum of the two atomic numbers of the elements directly below it. Students are challenged with determining the missing element symbols in each puzzle, but first must use a periodic table to find the atomic number for each element symbol appearing in the puzzle. This activity is a fun challenge for students and provides the opportunity to strengthen logic and reasoning skills.
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Chemistry Basics, Polyatomic Ions | High School
Activity: Polyatomic Ion Word Search Mark as Favorite (8 Favorites)
In this activity, students will be challenged to recognize and identify common polyatomic ions by name and chemical formula. Unlike a traditional word search puzzle, students are only provided with a list of formulas for 24 polyatomic ions, instead of the names of each. They are tasked with finding the corresponding ion names hidden in the puzzle, and then must match each one with its correct formula.
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Ionic Bonding, Naming Compounds | High School
Game: Matchmaker: Ionic Bonding Mark as Favorite (69 Favorites)
In this game, students will test their ionic bonding knowledge by forming ionic compounds from a variety of ions. During the game, students will be provided with a name of the ionic compound and two ions (one cation and one anion). The goal of the game is to form an ionic compound that matches the name using the provided ions. Students score points by combining the ions in the correct ratio, based on the charges, and by selecting the matching chemical formula.
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Chemistry Basics, Elements, Periodic Table, Review | High School
Activity: Clueless Crossword Mark as Favorite (16 Favorites)
In this activity, students will need a pencil and eraser as they are challenged to complete a crossword puzzle without any traditional clues! Instead, students are given a list of element symbols and tasked with determining the element name for each symbol. Then, using the names, they will then attempt to place each one correctly in the puzzle. With only one possible solution, this puzzle can be very tricky!
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Chemistry Basics, Interdisciplinary, Photosynthesis | High School
Activity: Algae Trivia Mark as Favorite (3 Favorites)
In this activity, students will participate in a trivia game created in support of the 2023 Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) theme, The Curious Chemistry of Amazing Algae. Students will participate individually or as a team to test their knowledge about algae and related chemistry topics.
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Atomic Mass, Atomic Structure, Chemistry Basics, Density, Dimensional Analysis, Electrons, Ions, Mole Concept, Periodic Table, Quantitative Chemistry, Subatomic Particles | High School
Activity: A Pound of Numbers Mark as Favorite (21 Favorites)
In this activity, students will review a series of fundamental chemistry questions and select the answer from two choices provided. Upon completion, the sum of all the correct answers will equal the number of grams in one pound. Students can then use dimensional analysis to determine the number of grams in one pound for comparison.
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Interdisciplinary, Polymers | High School, Middle School
Activity: Puzzling, Twisted Fibers Mark as Favorite (3 Favorites)
In this activity, students will attempt to solve clues related to the chemistry of fabrics. Starting at the center of the maze, students will fill in each word suggested by the 20 given clues. Answering each clue correctly will help students solve the riddle provided at the end of the activity. This puzzle can be used in the classroom as part of the Fabulous Fibers theme celebration for 2022 National Chemistry Week.
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Atoms, Covalent Bonding, Molecular Formula, Molecular Structure, Review | Elementary School, Middle School
Activity: Atom Catcher Game Mark as Favorite (10 Favorites)
In this activity, students will make several different molecules out of four types of atoms: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in an online game. In order to be successful, the student must move a beaker on the screen to catch the correct type and number of atoms needed to form a particular molecule. Students can score points by making as many correct molecules as possible in a given amount of time.
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Periodic Table, Review | High School
Activity: Sudoku by the (Chemical) Numbers Mark as Favorite (10 Favorites)
In this activity, students will first answer clues about fundamental chemistry concepts in order to determine the missing digits from a sudoku puzzle. After solving the clues, students must then use both logic and reasoning while following the rules of sudoku to solve the 9x9 puzzle.
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Elements, Periodic Table | High School, Middle School
Activity: Chemistry Kakuro Puzzle Mark as Favorite (5 Favorites)
In this activity, students will use both math and logic to solve a chemistry themed kakuro puzzle. This puzzle differs slightly from a traditional kakuro by first requiring students to use a periodic table to find the atomic number for each element symbol appearing in the puzzle. Using the atomic numbers as starting clues, students then fill-in the empty squares with numbers 1-9 that sum to the value of the clue, but without reusing any digits. This activity is a fun challenge for students, and provides the opportunity to strengthen logic and reasoning skills.
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Atomic Mass, Elements, Model of the Atom, Periodic Table, Review, Subatomic Particles | Elementary School, Middle School
Activity: Periodic Table Challenge Game Mark as Favorite (15 Favorites)
In this activity, students will play an online game that quizzes their knowledge about the atomic structure of the first 20 elements on the periodic table. Students will be asked to identify different elements based on information related to subatomic particles, placement on the periodic table or from a provided Bohr model. This game has several options for students to choose from, and can be used to review content, or as a formative assessment.
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Covalent Bonding, Ionic Bonding, Lewis Structures, Model of the Atom, Valence Electrons | High School, Middle School
Activity: Chemists in the Lab Game Mark as Favorite (47 Favorites)
In this activity, students will play a game that is modeled after Settlers of Catan to explore how atoms of certain elements combine in fixed ratios to form molecules.
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Ionic Bonding, Predicting Products, Solubility, Solubility Rules | High School
Activity: Solubility Rules Dice Game Mark as Favorite (36 Favorites)
In this activity, students will use ion dice to form a number of different ionic compounds. Based on the resulting ionic compound, they will use a solubility chart to determine if it is soluble or insoluble. This game will allow students to become more familiar with ionic compounds and solubility rules.
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Elements, Physical Properties, Review | High School
Activity: Family Reunion Puzzle Mark as Favorite (1 Favorite)
In this activity, students will be challenged to solve a collection of anagrams—but with a twist! Given 27 ordinary words, students must remove one letter and then rearrange the remaining letters to form a chemical term. Additionally, the anagrams are grouped into 3 families, with all of the chemical terms in each family sharing a common property or theme.
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Mole Concept, SI Units | High School
Activity: Mole Mischief Puzzle Mark as Favorite (1 Favorite)
In this activity, students will analyze a collection of clues and attempt to determine the correct word that corresponds to each one. As a connection to chemistry, each of the answers contain the unit “mol” within the word.
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Heat, Intermolecular Forces, Phase Changes, Specific Heat | High School
Activity: "It's a Phase" Puzzles Mark as Favorite (1 Favorite)
In this activity, students will complete either a crossword puzzle or a word search puzzle for common vocabulary terms related to the topics of phase changes and heat transfer. This activity provides an opportunity for students to increase their familiarity with the terms that they will be expected to use when learning about thermochemistry.
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Elements, Periodic Table | Elementary School, High School, Middle School
Activity: Element Matching Puzzle Mark as Favorite (3 Favorites)
In this activity, students will become more familiar with select elements from the periodic table. They will use the periodic table to determine the symbol for given elements, and recall any prior knowledge about each element. Then students will be challenged to solve a puzzle by organizing a set of cards that contain jumbled information about these elements. After all of the cards have been correctly organized, a secret message can be found.
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Elements, History, Periodic Table | High School
Activity: Periodic Table Trivia Crossword Puzzle Mark as Favorite (21 Favorites)
In this activity, students will be presented with trivia questions related to the periodic table of elements. Many of the questions can be answered by examining a periodic table, while others are related to specific elements and may require additional research. Students will complete a crossword puzzle as they answer each of the questions.
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Ionic Bonding, Polyatomic Ions | High School
Activity: Common Ion Memory Game Mark as Favorite (17 Favorites)
In this activity, students will play a modified version of the classic Memory Game in order to help identify common ions by name and symbol. This activity provides an opportunity for students to increase their familiarity with the names and formulas of common ions that they will be expected to properly use when they begin writing chemical formulas and reactions.
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Introduction, Lab Safety, Review | High School, Middle School
Activity: Laboratory Equipment Bingo Mark as Favorite (52 Favorites)
In this activity, students will play a Bingo game, crossing out the names of laboratory equipment on their Bingo card that corresponds to the pictures of equipment shown by the teacher. This will help students to identify common equipment found in a chemistry lab.
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Elements, Periodic Table | High School
Activity: Element Bingo Mark as Favorite (27 Favorites)
In this activity, students will play a Bingo game, crossing out the element symbol on their Bingo card that corresponds to the element name announced by the teacher. This will help students to identify element names by their symbol, and vise-versa.
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Measurements, Scientific Notation, Significant Figures, Subatomic Particles | High School
Activity: Quantitatively Puzzling Mark as Favorite (35 Favorites)
In this activity, students will analyze sixteen chemistry-based clues and use the numbers, zero through fifteen as possible answer choices for each one. The clues cover content related to measurement, scientific notation, significant digits, atomic structure and the periodic table.
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Atomic Radius, Electronegativity, Ionization Energy, Periodic Table | High School
Activity: Periodic War Mark as Favorite (108 Favorites)
In this activity, students play a card game to apply their knowledge of the periodic trends of the main group elements.
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Ionic Bonding, Ionic Radius, Ions, Melting Point, Molecular Formula, Naming Compounds, Physical Properties, Solubility | High School
Activity: My Name is Bond, Ionic Bond Mark as Favorite (70 Favorites)
In this lesson, students will demonstrate their knowledge of ionic bond strength using a “brackets” activity. Pairs of students start the activity playing a game of “Ionic Compound War” to build eight compounds. Then then transfer the compounds to a “bracket” and use their knowledge of ionic bonding, along with a solubility chart, to predict the strongest and weakest bond between four pairs of ionic substances.
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History, Mole Concept, Periodic Table | High School
Activity: The Mole Crossword Puzzle Mark as Favorite (30 Favorites)
In this activity, students will be challenged with clues that are related to the concept of the mole in order to complete a crossword puzzle.
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Elements, Periodic Table | High School, Middle School
Activity: Lucky Seven Mark as Favorite (25 Favorites)
In this activity, students will use the periodic table and the clues provided to identify element names. Students will then attempt to find the element names that are hidden n the puzzle.
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Elements, Introduction, Periodic Table, Temperature | High School
Activity: An Element Fill-In Puzzle Mark as Favorite (3 Favorites)
In this activity, students will solve a puzzle by using element symbols from the periodic table to fill-in missing letters in familiar chemistry terms related to energy and thermodynamics.
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Elements, Periodic Table | Elementary School, High School, Middle School
Activity: The Periodic Table: Put Your Love to the Test! Mark as Favorite (26 Favorites)
In this activity, students will be challenged to see how familiar they are will the element names on the periodic table. Students will examine a heart-shaped word search, following the rules of the assigned difficulty level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) in order to identify as many element names as possible.
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Atomic Mass, Elements, History, Periodic Table, Physical Properties, Subatomic Particles | High School
Activity: Which Element Am I? Mark as Favorite (88 Favorites)
In this activity, students will be challenged by a list of clues that describe 50 different elements from the periodic table. Using their own knowledge, or the help of the internet students will determine the identity of each element based on the clue provided.
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Atomic Mass, Elements, Periodic Table, Subatomic Particles | High School, Middle School
Activity: Periodic Table Connect The Dots Mark as Favorite (130 Favorites)
In this activity, students solve a series of clues about elements in order to uncover a message that has been hidden in the periodic table. Using the clues, students draw lines between identified elements on the table, which then connect to form the message. Two versions of this activity are available, varying the difficulty level of the clues.
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Elements, Periodic Table | Elementary School, Middle School
Activity: Elemental Mix-up Mark as Favorite (14 Favorites)
In this activity, students will test their knowledge of the periodic table as they attempt to unscramble element names and use select letters to solve a mystery message.
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Density, Mixtures, Periodic Table, Physical Properties, Review | High School, Middle School
Activity: Chemistry Basics: Advanced Crossword Puzzle Mark as Favorite (18 Favorites)
In this activity, students will complete a crossword puzzle by solving each clue that is related to a fundamental chemistry topic.
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Chemical Change, Density, Elements, Matter, Mixtures, Periodic Table, Physical Change, Review | Elementary School, Middle School
Activity: Chemistry Basics: Crossword Puzzle Mark as Favorite (2 Favorites)
In this activity, students will complete a crossword puzzle by solving each clue that is related to a basic, yet fundamental chemistry topic.
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Introduction, Lab Safety, Review | High School, Middle School
Activity: Laboratory Equipment Memory Game Mark as Favorite (43 Favorites)
In this activity, students will play a modified version of the classic Memory Game in order to help them identify common laboratory equipment by name. This activity provides an opportunity for students to increase their familiarity with the laboratory equipment that they will be expected to properly use.
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Elements, Periodic Table | High School, Middle School
Activity: Periodic Table of Mistakes Mark as Favorite (93 Favorites)
In this activity, students will examine a periodic table that contains 25 mistakes. Students will be tasked with comparing the Periodic Table of Mistakes to a real periodic table in order to determine what mistakes are present. This activity provides an opportunity for students to become more familiar with the periodic table, including element names, symbols and placement, as well as trends in atomic mass.
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Ionic Bonding, Lewis Structures, Naming Compounds | High School, Middle School
Activity: Ionic Bonding Puzzle Mark as Favorite (140 Favorites)
In this activity, students match puzzle pieces to create neutral ionic compounds. Once they have made a neutral ionic compound they can use electron dot diagrams to show the formation of the compounds. Finally they will name the ionic compounds.
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Interdisciplinary | High School
Activity: Forensic Chemistry Crossword Mark as Favorite (6 Favorites)
In this activity, students are challenged to solve forensic chemistry themed clues in order to complete a crossword puzzle.
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Lab Safety | Elementary School, High School, Middle School
Activity: What Not to do in the Chemistry Lab Mark as Favorite (94 Favorites)
In this activity, students will examine a cartoon of a chaotic chemistry laboratory and note the specific behaviors that are dangerous and unsafe in a chemistry laboratory setting. This activity provides an opportunity for teachers to introduce laboratory safety and best laboratory practices and discuss them with their students.
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Periodic Table | High School
Activity: Trends of the Periodic Table Mark as Favorite (84 Favorites)
In this activity, students will assemble a fictitious periodic table based on clues about the structure of the real periodic table.
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Covalent Bonding, Ionic Bonding, Molar Mass, Molecular Formula, Naming Compounds | High School
Activity: Formula Card Game Mark as Favorite (48 Favorites)
In this activity, students play a card game to practice creating chemical formulas.
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Electron Configuration | High School
Activity: E-config Battleship Mark as Favorite (91 Favorites)
In this activity, students review electron configurations by using the periodic table like a Battleship board.
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Observations | Elementary School, High School, Middle School
Activity: Compare and Contrast Mark as Favorite (2 Favorites)
In this activity, students will use their observation skills to compare and contrast two similar chemistry classroom scenes in order to identify the differences between the two.
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Covalent Bonding, Ionic Bonding, Molecular Formula, Periodic Table | High School
Activity: Bondy (Rummy) Mark as Favorite (35 Favorites)
In this activity, students play a game in which they use element cards to form compounds.
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Atomic Radius, Electronegativity, Identifying an Unknown, Ionization Energy, Periodic Table, Physical Properties | High School
Activity: Mendeleev's Periodic Table Mark as Favorite (52 Favorites)
In this activity, students will use their knowledge of Periodic Trends to analyze and identify unknown elements and organize them correctly in the Periodic Table.