Word Play: Create a Puzzle (page 2)

Geologists use many special words in their work. In this activity, you'll make a crossword puzzle using 10 different words that geologists use to discuss the earth's crust
and rocks.

1. Get Ready

Two sheets of graph paper
Pencil and paper

2. Do and Wonder

Use one sheet of graph paper to make the crossword puzzle. (Hint: Begin by writing the longest word near the center of the graph paper, one letter per square-for instance, SEISMOGRAPH, which is an ''Across'' word. Then, find a word from the "Down" list that contains one of the same letters as your original word, and write it on the paper-for instance, MINERALS, connecting the two words at the letter S. Remember that all the words in the puzzle have to connect at their shared letters.)

Use these as the definitions for the ''Across'' words:

1. An instrument that measures the sizes of earthquakes. (SEISMOGRAPH)
2. A black mineral. (COAL)
3. A hot spring that sends steam and hot water in the air. (GEYSER)
4. The outer layer of the earth. (CRUST)
5. A place where rock layers have cracked. (FAULT)

Use these as the definitions for the "Down" words:

1. The hot, liquid center of the earth. (CORE)
2. Rocks are made of these. (MINERALS)
3. Evidence of ancient plants and animals found in rocks. (FOSSIL)
4. A mineral that is shiny and yellowish in color. (GOLD)
5. A rock found near an old volcano may be made of
   this. (LAVA)

3. Think and Write

 In making the crossword puzzle, you actually created the answer key. Use the second sheet of graph paper to prepare a blank copy of the puzzle that someone else can complete. Trace around those boxes that will contain words in the puzzle, copying the layout of the original puzzle exactly. In the box for the first letter of each word, write in the number of the clue for that word. Finally, write the word clues below the puzzle, listing the "Across" words in one column and the "Down" words in another.

Give your puzzle to a friend, and ask him or her to complete it. Then use the answer key to check how well he or she did.

Explanation

One way to learn new science words is to use them in making crossword puzzles. By making the puzzle in this activity, you not only had the chance to practice spelling some words from the science of geology but also learned their meanings.