Six clues make up this 3rd grade weather and climate crossword, three across and three down. Each clue gives the letter count, so students can check a guess such as FORECAST (8) against the grid. The words cover daily weather, climate, seasons, drought, and hazards, which links the puzzle to NGSS 3-ESS2-1, 3-ESS2-2, and 3-ESS3-1. The answer key lists all six words.
3-ESS2-1
“Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.”
Down 1 (SEASON) and Across 4 (WEATHER), the words students need to describe conditions in a given season.
3-ESS2-2
“Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.”
Down 3 (CLIMATE) and Across 6 (DROUGHT), which describe long-term patterns rather than single days.
3-ESS3-1
“Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.*”
Down 5 (HAZARD), whose clue mentions building a barrier for protection.
Clue 2 describes a prediction of future conditions, clue 4 the daily conditions outside, and clue 6 a long period with very little or no rain.
Clue 1 names one of the four times of year, clue 3 the typical conditions over a long period, and clue 5 a dangerous weather event that a barrier might protect against.
FORECAST, WEATHER, and DROUGHT run across. SEASON, CLIMATE, and HAZARD run down.
End-of-unit vocabulary
Use it in the last week of the weather unit. WEATHER and CLIMATE are both seven letters, so students must read the clues closely instead of guessing from length.
Substitute plans
The puzzle needs no teaching and fits on two pages with the key. Leave it for a sub along with a class set of dictionaries.
Spelling link
Add FORECAST, DROUGHT, and HAZARD to the week's spelling list. The ough in DROUGHT is the one most students miss in the grid.
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