Activity Overview
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.
Chemical Reaction Vocabulary
- Air
- Atom
- Bond
- Burning
- Carbon
- Carbonate
- Change
- Chemical
- Chemicals
- Compounds
- Corrosive
- Crystallization
- Displacement
- Electrodes
- Element
- Endothermic
- Energy
- Equation
- Equipment
- Extract
- Exothermic
- Flammable
- Formula
- Fuel
- Gases
- Hydrocarbons
- Hydrogen
- Mass
- Metals
- Mixture
- Model
- Molecule
- Neutralize
- Observation
- Ore
- Oxides
- Oxygen
- Physical
- Powder
- Precautions
- Product
- Reaction
- Reactants
- Reactivity
- Reduction
- Reversible
- Rust
- Substance
- Temperature
- Word Equation
Template and Class Instructions
(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 chemical reactions.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and write it under the cell.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(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. |
Activity Overview
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.
Chemical Reaction Vocabulary
- Air
- Atom
- Bond
- Burning
- Carbon
- Carbonate
- Change
- Chemical
- Chemicals
- Compounds
- Corrosive
- Crystallization
- Displacement
- Electrodes
- Element
- Endothermic
- Energy
- Equation
- Equipment
- Extract
- Exothermic
- Flammable
- Formula
- Fuel
- Gases
- Hydrocarbons
- Hydrogen
- Mass
- Metals
- Mixture
- Model
- Molecule
- Neutralize
- Observation
- Ore
- Oxides
- Oxygen
- Physical
- Powder
- Precautions
- Product
- Reaction
- Reactants
- Reactivity
- Reduction
- Reversible
- Rust
- Substance
- Temperature
- Word Equation
Template and Class Instructions
(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 chemical reactions.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and write it under the cell.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(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. |
How Tos about Vocabulary for Chemical Reactions
How to facilitate engaging science discussions using new vocabulary
Encourage students to use vocabulary terms in context by planning short, focused science discussions. Ask open-ended questions that require students to incorporate at least one new word into their responses. This builds confidence and reinforces correct usage.
Model correct vocabulary usage during classroom demonstrations
Demonstrate how to weave vocabulary words naturally into your explanations during experiments or activities. Pause and highlight when you use a new term, then invite students to repeat or paraphrase it. This helps solidify understanding and pronunciation.
Create collaborative vocabulary games
Organize team-based activities like vocabulary bingo, charades, or matching games using the chemistry terms. Gamifying review sessions keeps students engaged and helps reinforce definitions through repetition and friendly competition.
Integrate vocabulary into exit tickets or quick writes
Ask students to use at least one new vocabulary word in a sentence explaining what they learned that day. Reviewing these brief responses lets you assess understanding and correct misconceptions immediately.
Display and update a classroom vocabulary wall
Dedicate a bulletin board or wall space for student-created vocabulary cards and illustrations. Updating the wall regularly keeps terms visible, encourages ownership, and provides a handy reference during lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary for Chemical Reactions
What are some key vocabulary words for teaching chemical reactions?
Key vocabulary words for chemical reactions include atom, bond, compound, reactant, product, exothermic, endothermic, oxidation, reduction, and catalyst. Teaching these terms helps students understand and describe chemical processes accurately.
How can I help students remember new chemical reaction vocabulary?
Using visual vocabulary boards lets students define each term and create an illustration, making it easier to grasp and remember abstract scientific words through both text and images.
What is a visual vocabulary board in science class?
A visual vocabulary board is an educational tool where students define science terms and add drawings or images to illustrate each word, reinforcing understanding through visual and written representations.
What are effective strategies for introducing chemical reaction terms to students?
Start by introducing all new vocabulary at the beginning of the unit, then have students create visual boards, use examples from real life, and encourage group discussions to deepen understanding of each term.
Why is it important for students to use correct vocabulary in science?
Using correct vocabulary helps students communicate scientific ideas clearly, improves comprehension of complex concepts, and prepares them for further learning in chemistry and related fields.
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