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Periodic Videos: Periodic Table
Details
Activity Description
In this activity, students watch a short video about an element and report its properties to the rest of the class. There are videos for all 118 elements. All of these videos were created by video journalist, Brady Haran, and feature chemists from the University of Nottingham. In these videos, the elements come to life and become a meaningful learning experience.
Preparation
- Make sure that the site is not blocked at your school and that the game can be viewed.
- Preview the videos and select the elements you want students to view.
- Prepare a template for students to fill in data about their element.
Teacher Tips
There are films about other areas of chemistry, latest news and occasional adventures away from the lab. There is also a new series - The Molecular Videos - featuring molecules and compounds.
More Ways
Check the videos on molecules . They could be used in your next lesson as you move from elements to molecules.
Program Areas
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
- ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation
- ASE: High School Diploma
Levels
- All Levels
Lesson Plan
Activity:
- Element BrainstormInteractive Activity: Ask students to list all the elements they know on the board.
- Discuss the characteristics of these elements briefly.
- Discuss the characteristics of these elements briefly.
Activity:
- Introduction to the Periodic Table
- Show a Periodic Table and briefly explain its organization (groups, periods, and types of elements).
- Discuss the importance of understanding element properties.
Activity: Viewing a Sample Video
- Show one of Brady Haran’s element videos to the class.
Interactive Activity:
- As a class, fill out a prepared worksheet that includes sections for the element’s name, symbol, atomic number, group, period, properties, and interesting facts.
Activity: Group WorkInteractive Activity:
- Divide students into small groups and assign or let them randomly select an element by a draw.
- Provide each group with a device to access the videos and a worksheet to fill out.
- Students watch their assigned video and gather information about their element.
Activity: Group Presentations
- Each group presents their findings to the rest of the class.
Interactive Activity:
- After each presentation, other students can ask questions or add additional information they know about the element.
Activity: Elemental ConnectionsInteractive Activity:
- Conduct a class discussion on how the different elements studied by each group are used in everyday life or in various industries.
- Have students write a short reflection on what they learned about their element and how it connects to real-world applications.
Subjects
- Science
- Chemistry
- General Science