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.
Suggested Compound and Mixtures Vocabulary
- Arrangement
- Boil
- Cells
- Changes
- Chromatography
- Classify
- Compound
- Concentrated
- Concentration
- Condense
- Conserved
- Container
- Corrosive
- Crystals
- Cylinder
- Diffusion
- Dissolve
- Distillation
- Dyes
- Evaporate
- Extraction
- Filtration
- Fixed
- Freeze
- Gases
- Identity
- Insoluble
- Irreversible
- Liquid
- Metals
- Mixture
- Model
- Particles
- Periodic Table
- Physical Change
- Precautions
- Properties
- Residue
- Reversible
- Saturated
- Separate
- Simple Distillation
- Solid
- Soluble
- Solute
- Solution
- Solvent
- Substance
- Suspension
- Temperature
- Unsaturated
- Vapor
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 elements, compounds, and mixtures.
- 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.
Suggested Compound and Mixtures Vocabulary
- Arrangement
- Boil
- Cells
- Changes
- Chromatography
- Classify
- Compound
- Concentrated
- Concentration
- Condense
- Conserved
- Container
- Corrosive
- Crystals
- Cylinder
- Diffusion
- Dissolve
- Distillation
- Dyes
- Evaporate
- Extraction
- Filtration
- Fixed
- Freeze
- Gases
- Identity
- Insoluble
- Irreversible
- Liquid
- Metals
- Mixture
- Model
- Particles
- Periodic Table
- Physical Change
- Precautions
- Properties
- Residue
- Reversible
- Saturated
- Separate
- Simple Distillation
- Solid
- Soluble
- Solute
- Solution
- Solvent
- Substance
- Suspension
- Temperature
- Unsaturated
- Vapor
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 elements, compounds, and mixtures.
- 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 Compounds and Mixtures Vocabulary
Create engaging classroom games to reinforce compounds and mixtures vocabulary
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.
Design a vocabulary bingo game using key science terms
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.
Organize a vocabulary charades activity for science terms
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.
Facilitate a matching game for definitions and illustrations
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.
Encourage students to create their own vocabulary review games
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compounds and Mixtures Vocabulary
What is a visual vocabulary board for compounds and mixtures?
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.
How can I help students remember scientific vocabulary for compounds and mixtures?
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.
What are some essential vocabulary words for teaching compounds and mixtures?
Key terms include mixture, compound, solution, solvent, solute, filtration, evaporation, saturation, and chromatography. Introducing these at the start supports deeper understanding throughout the unit.
How do I use vocabulary boards in a middle school science classroom?
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.
Why is it important for students to illustrate vocabulary words in science?
Illustrating vocabulary helps students make connections between terms and real-world examples, making abstract science concepts more concrete and easier to understand and remember.
More Storyboard That Activities
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
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