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Grade 3 earth science

Grade 3 Earth Science Word Search

Science Word Search Printable • Grade 3

Earth’s surface changes over time, and scientists use specific vocabulary to describe those changes and the planet’s structure. This printable reviews weathering, erosion, sediment, layers, crust, mantle, core, volcanoes, earthquakes, and faults.

Start with the printable

Preview of Earth #3 Word Search
Earth #3 Word Search

Use the words before and after the puzzle

Before solving, ask your child to circle unfamiliar words in the list. Afterward, choose three words to explain, draw, or use in a science sentence. Open the printable PDF below when you are ready.

Open printable PDF

What children can practice

  • Distinguish breaking rock down from moving sediment to a new place.
  • Name major layers inside Earth at an introductory level.
  • Use a simple model to explain how surface materials can move.

For parents and homeschool

Model weathering and erosion

Use a dry cracker or clump of soil over a tray, plus a spoon. An adult should supervise and clean the area afterward.

  1. Step 1

    Break the material into smaller pieces to model weathering.

  2. Step 2

    Use the spoon to move the pieces across the tray to model erosion.

  3. Step 3

    Pile the pieces in a new place and label them sediment.

Also useful for teachers

A quick classroom adaptation

Use the puzzle as a vocabulary review before stations. Students can annotate a three-panel diagram showing weathering, erosion, and deposition, then explain the sequence to a partner.

Questions to talk about