Puzzles

Looking for answers? Go to sciencenews.org/puzzle-answers. We’ll publish science-themed crosswords and math puzzles on alternating months. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Email us at puzzles@sciencenews.org.

  1. Crossword: Copy That!

    Solve the crossword from our March 2026 issue, in which we work on our code-switching.

    By Rena Cohen

  2. Math puzzle: The homesick rover

    Solve the math puzzle from our February 2026 issue, where we plan a return passage for a robotic explorer that doesn’t want to explore.

    By Ben Orlin

  3. Breaking Ground Crossword

    Solve the crossword from our January 2026 issue, in which we take a crack at geological principles

    By Shannon Rapp

  4. Math puzzle: A Loopy Holiday Gift Exchange

    Solve the math puzzle from our December 2025 issue, in which a holiday gift exchange occurs.

    By Zach Wissner-Gross

  5. Worlds Apart Crossword

    Solve our latest interactive crossword. We'll publish science-themed crosswords and math puzzles on alternating months.

    By August Miller and Shannon Rapp

  6. Math puzzle: The four islands

    Solve the math puzzle from our October 2025 issue, in which four princesses divide up lands to keep peace.

    By Ben Orlin

  7. Cold Cuts Crossword

    Solve our latest interactive crossword. We'll publish science-themed crosswords and math puzzles on alternating months.

    By Rachel Fabi

  8. Math puzzle: Can you meet me at the mall?

    Solve the math puzzle from our August 2025 issue, which takes you back to the time before cell phones.

    By Zach Wissner-Gross

  9. Baby’s First Words Crossword

    Solve our latest interactive crossword. We'll publish science-themed crosswords and math puzzles on alternating months.

    By Shannon Rapp and Erica Hsiung Wojcik

  10. Math puzzle: The conundrum of sharing

    Solve the math puzzle from our June 2025 issue, in which friends must find ways to all enjoy hot mud beds.

    By Ben Orlin

  11. Limits of Knowledge Crossword

    Solve our latest interactive crossword. We'll publish science-themed crosswords and math puzzles on alternating months.

    By Sid Sivakumar

  12. Math puzzle: The Lesser Fool

    Solve the math puzzle from our April 2025 issue. In honor of April Fools’ Day, we offer the puzzling case of the Lesser Fool.

    By Ben Orlin