Force and Motion Vocabulary

Understanding science vocabulary is essential to understanding new and complex topics. Rather than handing students a vocabulary worksheet, why not give them a set of puzzles to complete instead? These force and motion vocabulary puzzles cover words such as:

• attract
• gravity
• motion
• pull
• and more!

While not all of these vocabulary terms may be covered in each grade level, the selected words cover 2nd through 6th-grade content. 

To play, hand each group of students a set of puzzles that have already been cut apart. Students work to create a 3-piece puzzle for each science vocabulary term.

Through this activity, students will show they can match vocabulary definitions and pictures with the corresponding term.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this force and motion activity to enhance learning through guided science groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

For students who need additional support, limit the number of pieces they are to put together. As an example, students can match the picture and the vocabulary term. Additionally, invite students to reference our Force and Motion Vocabulary Posters to remind them of each term.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

If there are students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage students to create comics or infographics representing a word(s) of their choice.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the full-color PDF, low-color PDF, or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Force and Motion Vocabulary Posters

Display this set of 22 mini-posters in your classroom when learning about force and motion vocabulary.

teaching resource

Push and Pull Sorting Activity

Use these push and pull sorting cards as a hands-on activity during your science lessons on forces.