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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

  1. On the next page, you will see a collection of elements along with their characteristics.
  2. 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!)
  3. When you have finished, have your teacher check your work.