Ten season and sky words hide in the grid of this 1st grade science word search: DAYLIGHT, FALL, PATTERN, SEASON, SPRING, SUMMER, SUNRISE, SUNSET, WEATHER, and WINTER. Words run across or down only, which keeps the search at a 1st grade level. The answer key gives the row, column, and direction for every word. The list draws on vocabulary from two NGSS standards, 1-ESS1-1 and 1-ESS1-2.
1-ESS1-1
“Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.”
SUNRISE, SUNSET, and PATTERN are the words from this standard. Use them for a quick talk about what the sun does each day.
1-ESS1-2
“Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.”
DAYLIGHT and the four season names link here, though the search checks word recognition rather than observation.
A letter grid with 10 hidden words that run left to right or top to bottom. SUMMER and SUNSET both start from the S in row 1, column 1.
The 10 words sit under the grid, so students can cross each one off as they find it.
Vocabulary preview
Hand it out before the seasons unit, so the ten words already look familiar when they come up in lessons.
Substitute plan
It needs no teaching, and the key lists the row and column of every word. A substitute can check it in minutes.
Sentence follow-up
After the search, ask students to use two found words in one sentence, such as how SUMMER has the most DAYLIGHT.
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