One of my favorite parts of my science activity books are the puzzles. At least they have been. Devising the chemistry puzzles has been a challenge.
There are lots of fun sayings about water and pumpkins. There are lots of fun facts. Putting lists of words about these is easy too.
Not for chemistry.
Looking For Word Lists
I’ve found lists of famous chemists. Since “The Chemistry Project” will have many younger experimenters, the things these chemists did won’t mean anything to them. Thermodynamics is studied in college, not in high school. Electricity, while it can involve chemistry and explains some of what chemistry is about, is not familiar below high school or college.
That means my usual word searches and word skeletons will be few in number. Even mazes need something going from one place to another, and I’m still searching for these things. I did find one, but that isn’t nearly enough.
Other Possible Puzzles
Deduction problems are one of my favorites. I can probably do several chemistry puzzles of this kind. Not everyone likes these.
I’m reaching into “Goat Games” for more puzzle ideas. I have a couple of word puzzles now. Maybe I can think of a few more.
There will be lots of chemistry sayings and chemistry tales. These are challenging to devise. I like using a Scrabble board and letters to change the saying or tale into words for the clues.
Each part of “The Chemistry Project” has about six puzzles. I am now working on part 3 on solutions for the investigations and activities. I am short two puzzles for part 2 on matter. Part 3 needs another five puzzles.
Because chemistry puzzles are so hard to come up with, I could cut back on how many puzzles are in “The Chemistry Project”. That would solve my dilemma. But I would hate to do that. I just have to search harder for more puzzle material and ideas.
