Ideas for Teaching Science Vocabulary

Now that we’ve established rules, routines, and procedures in our classrooms, it’s time to talk about introducing new topics with vocabulary. Vocabulary may be one of those areas you skim because it’s just words, but by teaching vocabulary, you’re giving your students keys to unlocking content. In this post, I’ll share ideas for teaching science vocabulary and lists for science vocabulary, so you don’t miss a thing. 

Teaching science vocabulary is important because these words are not used in informal language. Science vocabulary tends to sound like you’re speaking a foreign language to a student with limited exposure to the topic. 

Imagine you must read a text about lobotomies. Assuming you’re a teacher, not a surgeon, you will likely struggle with comprehension because you aren’t familiar with half the words. 

Read more about why it’s important here. 

So how does one begin to teach science vocabulary? Is there a right way? 

While there’s no “right” way of doing anything, there are some best practices for introducing science vocabulary. 

Tips for introducing science vocabulary

Introduce the terminology before you begin teaching the new concept. Write the vocabulary words on index cards and place them in a pocket chart or hang them somewhere to be displayed. Encourage students to use these vocabulary words throughout the day. When they do, give them verbal praise for their efforts. 

When introducing the words, don’t just give them the definition and move on. Students need to understand these words in context, so in addition to the definition, include the word in an example, a non-example, and show them pictures if possible! We use Google images to display photos on our interactive whiteboard. 

Introducing vocabulary will support English language learners and overall student comprehension. Now that you’ve introduced the vocabulary words, it’s time to get your students even more familiar with them. 

Now that you know why it’s important and how to introduce it let’s share some fun ideas for teaching science vocabulary!

Science Charades 

• Index cards (one for each vocabulary word) 
• 3 players per team
• 0 – 5 minutes 
• The object of this activity is to guess the most vocabulary words. 

One player from each team will act out the vocabulary word. The actor cannot speak or tell how many words. Guessers may “pass” if the team gets stuck on a word. 

If the guessers guess the word correctly, they can mark it as one point. They do not earn any points for missed or passed words. 

I like this activity because teams can play simultaneously. We’ve even done this where two teams compete in front of the class so that classmates can hold each team accountable.  

Science Sketchers 

• Index cards (one for each vocabulary word) 
• Dry erase markers 
• Dry erase boards 
• 3 players per team
• 0 – 5 minutes 
• The object of this activity is to guess the most vocabulary words. 

This game is similar to Science Charades, except that this game is not about acting. Instead, it’s about drawing! 

Each team picks one artist. The artist must not say a word. Instead, they must only draw it. 

Like Science Charades, the team earns a point if a player correctly guesses the word. No points are awarded for passes or incorrect guesses. The team with the most amount of points wins. 

Kibbles and Bits

• Index cards (one for each vocabulary word) 
• 2 Dog Bowls 
• 3 players per team
• 0 – 5 minutes 
• The object of this activity is to guess the most vocabulary words. 

Start by crumbling all the vocabulary words in one dog bowl. These are the bits. 

Each team has an owner and two puppies. The owner must select a kibble (or vocabulary word). Then, the owner gives the puppies a bit about kibble without saying the word. They can give them clues such as examples, non-examples, and definitions.  

If the puppies guess the word, they get the kibble added to their bowl. The teams with the most kibbles added to a dog bowl win! 

No kibble is awarded for incorrect guesses or passed words. 

Science Skit

• List of vocabulary words (need a list builder? Use this list from my Spelling Activities for Any List of Words) 
• Groups of 2 – 4
• 5 – 10 per day/week

Let’s say you have a list of 20 vocabulary words. That’s a lot! Instead of giving each group all 20 words, give each group 4 – 5 that are different from the other groups. 

Each group will have time to plan a skit using all the words within their performance. They must create a script and practice. At the end of the week or unit, the group will perform their act for the class. 

This one is fun to watch because our kids let their personalities shine. They are so funny with these! 

Compare and Contrast

• List of vocabulary words (need a list builder? Use this list from my Spelling Activities for Any List of Words) 
• Groups of 2
• About 5 minutes

Comparing and contrasting is my go-to activity because it’s visual and easy! Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast two words that students often get confused about. 

For example, we use these when teaching value and digit in math. It’s also helpful for teaching the differences between weather tools, types of energy, etc. 

Use a Venn diagram to understand your students’ knowledge anytime throughout your unit. Grab your free Venn diagram and 50+ science words below. I’ve also included other fun science activities.

There you have five engaging activities for teaching science vocabulary to your students. Structure your science time by adding any (or all) activities during the first five minutes of your science time!

Got another fun idea that you love? Comment below! I’d love to hear about it.