Support vocabulary building and science exploration with our National Science Week: Word Search Worksheets! These engaging and educational worksheets are designed to help students connect with important scientific terms while developing literacy skills in a fun and interactive way. They’re a perfect addition to any National Science Week celebration or science-themed lesson.

Each worksheet includes a grid filled with key words related to science, discovery, and National Science Week themes. Students will search for words in all directions - horizontally, vertically, and diagonally - while reinforcing their understanding of science vocabulary. It's a great way to combine focused literacy work with inquiry-based discussion and reflection.

Whether used as a warm-up activity, a brain break, or part of a science-themed literacy station, these word searches make it easy to integrate science language into your weekly routine. They’re ideal for independent work, small group tasks, or early finisher folders - and they’re sure to keep students engaged and curious.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and identify key science-related vocabulary
• ✅ Strengthen spelling and word recognition skills
• ✅ Connect new words to their meanings and science topics
• ✅ Develop visual scanning and pattern recognition strategies
• ✅ Promote discussion and curiosity around science content

What’s Included:

• Printable word search worksheet(s) with National Science Week vocabulary
• Word list at the bottom of each sheet for student reference
• Varied word directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets (1 per student or small group)
• Pencils, highlighters or coloured pencils for marking words
• Optional: dictionaries or science displays to support vocabulary understanding

How to Use:

1. Begin with a class discussion of the vocabulary list, exploring definitions and context.
2. Hand out the worksheet and explain the directions of the word placements in the grid.
3. Students search for and highlight, circle or colour the vocabulary words.
4. Encourage discussion around word meanings or associated science topics during or after completion.
5. Optional: ask students to use the words in a sentence or connect them to recent science lessons.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a morning starter or warm-up activity during National Science Week
• 💡 Add to literacy rotations or science centres as independent work
• 💡 Challenge students to use a few of the words in a short science-themed story
• 💡 Create a class science vocabulary wall using the words from the worksheet
• 💡 Combine with a reading or writing task focused on one of the key words

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use different colours for different words to support visual learners
• 💛 Pre-teach unfamiliar vocabulary before completing the search
• 💛 Allow students to work in pairs to encourage peer discussion and support
• 💛 Extend learning by having students create their own science word searches

Our National Science Week: Word Search Worksheets are a fun and flexible tool to boost vocabulary knowledge, spark scientific thinking, and keep students engaged throughout the week.

Be sure to check out our other National Science Week resources!