Activity: Discovering the Periodic Table

The purpose of this activity is for students to gain a better appreciation for the patterns and logic of the periodic table. Time needed: 80 minutes.

Materials Needed:

White 11X17 paper

Periodic Table cards handed out in class

glue stick

scissors

Instructions:

Cut the small squares or cards out of the single sheet

Look at the all the types of information given on the cards

Note: The information "combines with # Chlorine " is the ratio at which the element combines with chlorine,
for example C combines with Cl in 4:1 ratio.

Begin by putting the cards in order of Atomic mass. Do other patterns emerge?

Decide where you want to begin your rows.

Do NOT look at your periodic table, that would defeat the purpose of the activity.

Once you have elements in the correct order you will see some patterns.
1. The atomic mass will increase as you go across the rows.
2. The "combines with Chlorine #" will be in columns
3. names that rhyme will be clustered.
4. physical properties will be clustered.

Glue the to the paper in the order you think makes sense

Explain your thinking on a blank space on the paper.

Hand-in your work.