Computer and projector, Mobile devices for students
Activity Description
Source: Periodic Table (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])
In this activity, students use an interactive Periodic Table to explore periods and groups of elements.
This site has many resources. You can use it for many different classes. There are resources for math, science, social studies, English, and Spanish. There are many activities that students can access online, and use alone or in groups. You really need to "mine" this site to see all the useful activities.
They also have free printable worksheets, quizzes, games, and online practice on math, grammar, phonics, handwriting, , language arts, social studies, and geography for preschool to middle school.
Preparation
Preview the Web site to be sure everything works on your school's computers.
Decide how you would like to use the element table.
Prepare questions, or have students prepare questions to be answered about the topic.
Teacher Tips
Start with familiar elements students already know
Use real-life examples whenever possible
Encourage exploration and curiosity
Reinforce patterns visually
Allow students to work collaboratively
More Ways
SoftSchools also provides:
Printable worksheets
Online quizzes
Math practice
Grammar activities
Geography and social studies resources
Interactive science lessons
Program Areas
ASE: High School Diploma
View Lesson Plan
Warm-up
Activity: Elements Around Us
Think–Pair–Share Students discuss:
What objects around us are made from elements?
Have you heard of oxygen, gold, or helium?
Why do scientists organize elements?
Class Brainstorm
Teacher records familiar elements:
Oxygen
Iron
Gold
Carbon
Helium
Hydrogen
Discuss where students encounter these elements in daily life.
Introduction
Introduce the periodic table:
A chart organizing all known elements
Elements are grouped by shared properties
Scientists use the table to predict behavior and relationships
Teacher explains:
Rows are called periods
Columns are called groups/families
Elements in the same group often behave similarly Vocabulary Preview Word Meaning Element A pure substance made of one type of atom Atom Basic unit of matter Period Horizontal row on the periodic table Group Vertical column on the periodic table Property A characteristic of a substance
Presentation
Teacher Demonstration
Teacher models:
Opening the interactive periodic table
Selecting elements
Reading element information
Identifying groups and periods
Guided Exploration
Teacher highlights:
Atomic number
Element symbol
Element name
Group similarities
Examples:
Noble gases
Metals
Nonmetals
Teacher asks:
What patterns do you notice?
Which elements are gases?
Which elements are metals?
Practice
Engagement Enhancement
Collaborative Element Investigation Small Groups
Groups are assigned:
One group/family of elements OR
Specific elements to investigate
Students research:
Element uses
Physical properties
Location on the periodic table
Interesting facts
Interactive Exploration Students navigate the interactive table independently or in pairs.
Possible tasks:
Find the lightest element
Identify elements used in electronics
Compare metals and nonmetals
Locate elements used in the human body
Co-Use Strategy Students collaborate to:
Compare findings
Answer teacher questions
Explain patterns to classmates
Teacher circulates and supports:
Scientific vocabulary
Navigation skills
Data interpretation
Evaluation
Engagement Enhancement
Quick Quiz Activity Students answer:
What is a period?
What is a group?
Name one metal and one nonmetal.
Which element is important for breathing?
Group Reporting Groups briefly present:
Their assigned element/group
One interesting fact
One real-world use
Application
Extension
Real-World Connections
Students discuss:
Why are elements important in science and everyday life?
Which elements are important for technology?
Which elements are important for health?
Reflection Prompt
“One element I learned about today that affects my life is…”
View Subjects
Science
Chemistry
General Science
View Standards
Reading
CCR Anchor 1 - Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
CCR Anchor 7 - Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
Speaking and Listening
CCR Anchor 1 - Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCR Anchor 4 - Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
View Tags
element, elements, groups of elements, interactive periodic table, period, periodic table, Soft Schools, chemistry
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View AI Reference
AI was used to rewrite this activity in the WIPPEA format
