Friday, October 24, 2008

Creating a Crossword Puzzle

In this class assignment, we had to create a crossword puzzle using content from one of the curriculum areas from which we teach. I chose to create a crossword puzzle on the chapter in science my class was working on, weathering and erosion. I created the same crossword puzzle twice using two different tools, Microsoft Excel and a web based puzzle maker. This was my first time using Microsoft Excel. It was very interesting to use. The online instructions provided by the instructor were helpful. I didn't follow the instruction verbatim. I failed to chart out my puzzle on graph paper prior to constructing it on Excel. It took me about 1/2 hour to get used to the program and construct the crossword puzzle. It wasn't hard, just a little time consuming compared to using the web based puzzle maker.
In contrast to Microsoft Excel, I found the web based puzzle maker to be much more efficient. It was very quick and easy to use. All I had to do was type in the words and clues then click generate and my puzzle was done. It only took about 5 minutes to complete. I'd much rather use the web based tool. Ultimately, I think it will save you a lot more time when creating your puzzles.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Crossword Puzzle using Discovery Education Site

Changes to the Earth's Surface




Across
3. liquid covering 70% of the surface of the earth
5. depositing sediment in a new location
6. water in a frozen state
7. physical features on the earth's surface
Down
1. downhill movement of rock and soil due to gravity
2. huge masses of moving ice
4. moving sediment from one place to another