Summary

In this activity, students will decode a secret message by applying their knowledge of terms related to the periodic table and its patterns.

Grade Level

High School

Objectives

By the end of this activity, students should be able to

• Use proper terminology to discuss patterns related to the layout of elements on the periodic table.

Chemistry Topics

This activity supports students’ understanding of

• Atomic Structure
• Periodic Table

Time

Teacher Preparation: minimal

Lesson: 15 - 20 minutes

Materials

• Student Handout: Periodic Review puzzle
• Copy of a periodic table

Safety

• No specific safety precautions need to be observed for this activity.

Teacher Notes

• This activity was created as part of the Chemistry Fun section of the November 2025 issue of Chemistry Solutions.

• This puzzle can be used:
  • at the end of class as a summarizer for a beginning lesson on periodic patterns.
  • as an activator or before a quiz to review terms related to the organization of the periodic table and some basic patterns.
• The terms all relate to the structure of the periodic table, the structure of atoms, and some basic periodic trends.
• To complete the activity, students will use the clues in 1-18 to find words or phrases that match the number of spaces shown in the left column. When all words/phrases have been completed, the letters in the numbered spaces will be transferred to the spaces in the Secret Message box to find a fun fact about a scientist who played a major role in our understanding of atoms.
• An Answer Key is provided for teacher reference.