“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 elements, compounds, and mixtures.
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 elements, compounds, and mixtures.
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. |
Games make learning scientific vocabulary more interactive and memorable for students. Incorporating play increases participation and helps students retain new terms by connecting them to fun experiences.
Prepare bingo cards with vocabulary words in each square. Read definitions aloud and have students mark the matching word on their card. The first to get a row or column shouts “Bingo!” and explains each term they marked. This activity boosts listening and recall skills.
Write vocabulary words on slips of paper and have students act them out without speaking. Classmates guess the term based on the performance. This game encourages creativity and deeper understanding of word meanings.
Provide sets of cards—one set with definitions and another with illustrations or examples. Students work in pairs or small groups to match each definition to the correct image. This reinforces concept connections visually and verbally.
Challenge students to invent a simple game using the vocabulary list (such as memory, board games, or quiz shows). Let them share and play these games with classmates. This fosters ownership and deeper engagement with the vocabulary.
A visual vocabulary board is a learning tool where students define and illustrate key terms related to compounds and mixtures. It helps students understand and remember scientific vocabulary by combining written definitions with pictures or diagrams.
Encourage students to create visual boards that pair each vocabulary word with its definition and a drawing or photo. Visuals make abstract concepts like solute and solvent easier to grasp and recall.
Key terms include mixture, compound, solution, solvent, solute, filtration, evaporation, saturation, and chromatography. Introducing these at the start supports deeper understanding throughout the unit.
Assign students to pick vocabulary words, find definitions, and illustrate them on their boards. This can be done individually or in groups, and can include hand-drawn art or images from approved sources like Photos for Class.
Illustrating vocabulary helps students make connections between terms and real-world examples, making abstract science concepts more concrete and easier to understand and remember.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
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“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