DNA Word Unzip: Free Printable Game for Year 9

DNA Word Unzip is a free printable science game for Year 9 (ages 13 to 14), in Key Stage 3. Children unscramble each word, then read the first letters of words 1 to 6. It practises genetics and inheritance vocabulary, needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up help ideas, a stretch task and the answers.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to the learner and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Each word on page 1 has its letters mixed up. Learners work out the real genetics word, spell it correctly and write it on the lines. Once the words are solved, they read the first letters of words 1 to 6 to find the final answer. The game rewards careful spelling, recall of key terms and a little patience.

Why practise genetics vocabulary?

Quick facts about DNA

• DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid.
• A single DNA molecule is too small to see. DNA taken out of fruit in a school practical can be seen as white strands.
• The shape of DNA is like a twisted ladder.
• Children inherit DNA from both of their parents.
• Most human cells contain DNA, and it carries instructions for how the body is built and works.

Skills and curriculum link

• Genetics vocabulary
• Unscrambling words
• Recalling key terms
• Spelling scientific words
• Careful reading
• Using clues to solve a puzzle

Ways to help learners unscramble words

• Look for letter patternsCommon pairs and endings can help. Ask the learner to spot letters that often sit together in science words and build from there.
• Try the first letterSome letters are likely starts and some are not. Choose a likely first letter, then see if the rest of the word falls into place.
• Write the letters outCopy the scrambled letters in a circle or on small bits of paper. Moving them around is easier than imagining them.
• Say it aloudSounding out a possible word can show whether it is right. Check the spelling against notes or a glossary afterwards.

Key words

• UnscramblePut mixed up letters into the right order to make a real word.
• GlossaryA list of key words and their meanings, often at the back of a book.
• DefinitionA short statement that says exactly what a word means.
• ContextThe words and ideas around a word that help show how it is used.
• RecallRemember something without looking it up.
• Key termAn important word that you need to know and use in a topic.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for the learner. Keep page 2, which has the notes, help, stretch idea and answers.
2. Read the instruction aloud together: unscramble each word, then read the first letters of words 1 to 6.
3. Let the learner work alone the first time, or sit together and talk about each choice. Use the lines to write each word.
4. Check against the answers on page 2. Ask the learner how they solved the trickiest word.
5. Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence and helps the words stay in memory.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Talk about it

• Which word did you solve first, and what helped you spot it?
• Which word was the hardest to unscramble? What did you try?
• How would you explain one of the words to a younger child?
• Which words sound similar? How can you tell them apart?
• Where have you met any of these words in lessons or in everyday life?
• What would you add to a glossary for this topic?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits in learning

Before this sheet, learners will have met cells and the idea that living things pass on characteristics. They build a store of key terms in lessons, notes and reading. This game checks that those terms can be recalled and spelled.

After this sheet, learners can use the vocabulary to explain ideas about inheritance and variation in their own words. Secure terms make longer written answers easier. They also prepare learners for the more detailed biology that follows in Key Stage 4.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is DNA Word Unzip for?

It is written for Year 9 (ages 13 to 14), in Key Stage 3. Younger or older learners can try it too, as long as they have met the genetics and inheritance words in their science lessons.

What will children practise?

Children practise spelling and recalling key genetics and inheritance vocabulary in science. They also practise unscrambling letters, reading carefully and using the first letters of words 1 to 6 to finish the puzzle.

How do I use it?

Print both pages. Learners work alone on page 1, then check against the answers on page 2. It works well as a starter or plenary. The first time, you can also work through it together and talk about each choice.

What if it feels too hard?

Give the first letter of each word, or let learners use a glossary or their notes. Start with the words they find easiest. Coming back to the harder ones later often makes them easier.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision, and black and white printing works well on plain A4 paper.

How long does it take?

It depends on the learner, so no set time is given. Let them work at their own pace and keep it relaxed. Page 2 has help for learners who find it hard and a stretch idea for confident ones.

Is this a screen free activity?

Yes. It is a screen free printable that needs only paper and a pencil. That makes it a good choice for quiet time, rainy days, school holidays or a calm starter in class.