25 Fun Science Vocabulary Activities

Vocabulary is the key that unlocks understanding in science—and in reading. This collection of 25 science vocabulary activities helps students connect words to meaning, context, structure, and real-world experiences.

Designed with reading principles in mind, each activity boosts comprehension while making science lessons more interactive, visual, and fun.

Fill out the form on this page to access all 25 activities that you can use flexibly as quick warm-ups or deep dives before, during, or after reading. Grouped by instructional purpose, these ideas work across science topics and grade levels.

In the meantime, here is a sneak peek!

Strategies for Stretching Thinking and Boosting Recall

Think-Aloud Vocabulary Connections

While reading a science passage aloud, model how to infer word meaning from context. Say things like, “Hmm, this sentence says ‘Condensation forms on the glass.’ I know condensation has to do with water and cold. Let me look for clues.” Then have students try it with a partner.

Science Vocabulary Journals

Create a dedicated science notebook section for vocabulary. For each word, students write the term, create a sentence using it, make a drawing, and explain a connection (e.g., "I saw this in the video we watched"). Revisit regularly for review and reflection.

“Which Word Doesn’t Belong?”

Give students a set of 3–4 words (e.g., solid, liquid, gas, magnet). Ask them to decide which word doesn’t belong and justify their reasoning. There may be more than one “right” answer depending on the explanation.

Vocabulary Relay (Active Review Game)

Write vocabulary words on the board and place matching definitions or pictures across the room. Students race (in teams or as a class) to match terms and meanings by walking, skipping, hopping, etc., and then explain the meaning before the next teammate goes.

Word-in-a-Box (Mystery Term)

Place a mystery vocabulary word in a “word box” (real or digital). Give 3–5 clues describing it using context, characteristics, or connections. Students guess the word and explain their reasoning before you reveal it.

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