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Make a Periodic Table (19 Favorites)
ACTIVITY in Introduction, Elements, Periodic Table, Identifying an Unknown. Last updated March 25, 2020.
Summary
In this activity, students use imaginary elements to create a periodic table based on the known properties of those elements.
Grade Level
High school
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to
- explain periodic trends.
- arrange elements appropriately based on their properties.
Chemistry Topics
This lesson supports students’ understanding of
- Periodic table
- Trends of the periodic table
Time
Teacher Preparation: 5 minutes
Lesson: 20 minutes
Materials
For each group:
- One set of element cards
- One blank periodic table template
Safety
There are no special safety concerns for this activity.
Teacher Notes
- Before beginning this activity, explain to the students that their new periodic table should have appropriate trends across rows and groups of elements.
- Explain that the properties of the groups are not necessarily the same as the properties of real elements on the periodic table – however, students should use their understanding that groups have similar properties to determine how these elements should be arranged.
- Depending on the amount of time you wish to spend on this activity, you could have the element cards pre-cut, or have the students cut them out themselves.
For the Student
Lesson
Background
The periodic table is special way of arranging elements based on their properties and characteristics.
Purpose
To create a periodic table using imaginary elements. This periodic table should have appropriate trends across rows and groups of elements.
Materials
- One set of element cards
- One blank periodic table template
Procedure
- On the next page, you will see a collection of elements along with their characteristics.
- Cut each element card and arrange the elements in order based upon their characteristics, just like you would see on the periodic table. Use the attached periodic table template. (Note: Not all spaces on the template will be filled – there is a missing element!)
- When you have finished, have your teacher check your work.