Find Your Match-Valentine's Vocabulary Game!

Ideas for science, math, and social studies.

Here’s a game to help mix things up a bit and to help your students (including Multilingual Learners) better understand the vocabulary for your unit. The game is connected to Valentine’s Day, making it a bit more engaging for middle and high schoolers.

Game: "Find Your Match!"

Goal: For beginning Multilingual Learners who practice speaking, listening, and vocabulary while connecting with their classmates.

Preparation:

1. Create matching pairs based on Valentine's Day themes. Here are a few ideas:

   • Opposites (e.g., Day & Night, Hot & Cold, Sun & Moon)

   • Famous Pairs (e.g., Romeo & Juliet, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Tom & Jerry)

   • Compound Words (e.g., Heart & Beat, Love & Letter, Sweet & Heart)

   • Valentine’s Phrases (e.g., "You’re the peanut to my butter.")

2. Write (or have students write them) each word or phrase on separate index cards (one per student).

How to Play:

1. Hand out the cards randomly to students.

2. Set a timer for 3-5 minutes and have students walk around the room, asking yes/no or simple questions to find their match.

   • Sample Questions:

     • "Are you something sweet?"

     • "Do we belong together?"

     • "Are we opposites?"

3. Once they find their match, they sit down together.

4. After all pairs are found, each pair shares their connection with the class using a complete sentence.

Extension Options:

• Writing Task: Have each pair write a sentence or short dialogue using their words.

• Discussion: Ask pairs to describe why their words go together or create a short Valentined-themed story with their match.

Science Example: "Find Your Science Match!"

Goal: Students will practice science vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills while making connections between scientific terms.

Preparation:

1. Create matching pairs based on your science topic. Here are some examples:

   💡 Biology:

   • Predator & Prey

   • Photosynthesis & Sunlight

   • Cell Membrane & Protection

   • Oxygen & Respiration

   🔬 Chemistry:

   • Acid & Base

   • Reactants & Products

   • Proton & Electron

   • Covalent Bond & Sharing

   🌍 Earth & Space Science:

   • Earthquake & Fault Line

   • Moon & Tides

   • Weathering & Erosion

   • Carbon Dioxide & Greenhouse Effect

2. Write each word on separate index cards (one per student).

How to Play:

1. Hand out the cards randomly.

2. Set a timer for 3-5 minutes and have students walk around the room, asking yes/no or simple questions to find their match.

   • Sample Questions:

     • "Do we work together in a cycle?"

     • "Are you a force in nature?"

     • "Do I describe a process you help with?"

3. Once they find their match, they sit together and discuss why their words are connected.

4. Each pair shares their connection with the class using a sentence like:

   • “We are oxygen and respiration because oxygen is needed for cells to create energy.”

Extension Options:

• Writing Task: Each pair writes a sentence or short explanation using their words.

• Draw It! Pairs illustrate their connection and share with the class.

• Chain Reaction: After matching, pairs find another related pair and explain how all four terms connect.

Math Version: "Find Your Math Match!"

Goal: Reinforce key math concepts through matching related terms.

Samples of Matching Pairs:

✅ Basic Math:

• Addition & Sum

• Multiplication & Product

• Fraction & Denominator

• Percent & 100

✅ Algebra:

• Variable & Equation

• Slope & y = mx + b

• Function & Input/Output

• Exponent & Power

✅ Geometry:

• Parallel & Perpendicular

• Radius & Circle

• Right Angle & 90 Degrees

• Polygon & Sides

Bonus Activities:

• Equation Challenge: Each pair writes an equation that demonstrates their relationship.

• Graph It! If applicable, pairs illustrate their concept on a graph.

Social Studies Version: "Find Your History Match!"

Goal: Strengthen historical and civics-related vocabulary by pairing key figures, events, or concepts.

Samples of Matching Pairs:

📜 U.S. History & Government:

• Constitution & Bill of Rights

• Legislative Branch & Congress

• Civil Rights & Martin Luther King Jr.

• Checks & Balances

🌍 World History:

• Industrial Revolution & Factories

• Silk Road & Trade

• World War II & Allies

• Ancient Egypt & Pyramids

💬 Geography & Civics:

• Democracy & Voting

• Climate Change & Greenhouse Effect

• GDP & Economy

• Immigration & Citizenship

Bonus Activities:

• Timeline Match: Pairs place their terms on a class timeline.

• Debate Prompt: Pairs explain how their terms influenced history.

I’d love to hear some other adaptations that you might apply. I can see how this could work for any standard.

Let me know if you use it.