In this game students build atoms for the first 18 elements of the periodic table. They’ll see how an element’s location in the table connects to its atomic structure. Using a small game board and moveable pieces, students construct a visual model of atoms and see how different atoms compare in numbers of electrons, protons, and neutrons.
Games are a great way to help students internalize difficult information and concepts. Here they’re engaging with the pattern of atomic structure and seeing how that connects to the periodic table. Since this understanding is quite complex, it tends to take time and multiple activities to solidify for most students. Games are a valuable addition to your teaching collection.
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ Where are the different particles located in atoms?
❑ How do atoms differ one from another?
❑ How does an atom’s structure connect to its location on the periodic table?
Once students play the game, they can capture their observations using the included Lab Notes or probing questions included in the instructions.
Concepts Addressed
♦ Atoms are a specific arrangement of protons, neutrons and electrons.
♦ An atom’s mass is comprised of its number of protons and neutrons.
♦ The atomic number stands for the number of an atom’s protons.
Standards Addressed
TEKS 8.5A; 8.5C; 8.3B
VA SOL Science 6.4a; 6.4b; PS 3b; PS 4a
GSE S8P1 (part e)
Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.
Materials Needed Copies of game cards which can be made on cardstock and/or laminated. Copies of the game board and directions that can be placed into page protectors or laminated. Directions are designed to be non-consumable and go straight into students’ hands without additional explanation.
Prep Time Collect playing pieces, about 35 of three different colors are needed for each lab group or game.
Teaching Time About 40 mins depending on accompanying writing assignment.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
