“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for acids and bases.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)
Type of Assignment Individual or Group
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for acids and bases.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)
Type of Assignment Individual or Group
Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Boost student engagement by turning vocabulary review into a fun, interactive game. Games help students think on their feet and reinforce key scientific terms in an energetic setting.
Arrange students into groups of 3–5 for manageable, collaborative play. Smaller teams encourage participation and make monitoring easier.
Create a set of cards—half with vocabulary words, half with their definitions or examples. Mix and match for a variety of quick activities.
Select a format that fits your class’s energy and comfort. Match cards, act out terms, or give clues for teammates to guess the word.
Tally points for correct answers and teamwork. Recognize participation and growth to motivate all students.
A visual vocabulary board for acids and bases is a teaching tool where students define and illustrate key scientific terms, combining text with drawings or images to help clarify complex concepts such as pH, acid, base, and indicator.
Encourage students to define and illustrate each vocabulary word, use real-life examples, and create visual aids. This approach makes abstract terms like neutralize, corrosive, or alkali easier to grasp.
Key vocabulary for middle school includes acid, base, pH, neutral, indicator, alkali, corrosive, antacid, dilute, concentrated, and universal indicator.
The best way is to combine student-drawn images with simple definitions, or use classroom-safe photo resources. Visuals should show real-life or laboratory contexts for words like bleach, litmus, or irritant.
Using accurate scientific vocabulary builds understanding, improves communication, and helps students apply concepts like soluble, insoluble, or neutralize in classroom discussions and assessments.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher