Most periodic tables have so much information that the main point... their periodicity, can be lost. With this layout, kids can see graphically how the number of protons, and the arrangement of electrons, maps each element to its location on the table. Kids can add color coding as well as small symbols to show things like radioactivity and whether or not the element is a metal.
Element cards can be used to make a large poster, a bulletin board or simply be used as a card sort activity again and again.
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ What does the column number on the periodic table convey?
❑ What does the row number on the periodic table convey?
❑ Where are the metals located 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
♦ The atoms of any one element are different from the atoms of other elements.
♦ There are more than 100 elements.
♦ Typically elements in the same column have the same number of outer electrons.
♦ Elements in the same row have the same number of shells or orbits.
Standards Addressed
NGSS HS-PS1-1
TEKS 8.5C
VA SOL Science PS.4a., PS.4b
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 Paper element cards (included). Large-scale poster (included; optional). Copies of directions (laminated or page protectors).
Prep Time Copy and cut apart cards. Print directions. Have the poster printed if desired.
Teaching Time About two 30 minutes sessions. One to complete the cards; another to assemble the entire board and answer the discussion questions.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts
