Atoms Unit Part 6: The Periodic Table

Periodic Table of Elements: Engaging Lessons, Activities & Assessments

This comprehensive chemistry unit covers atoms and the periodic table with 10 interactive lessons (50 minutes each) and a 19-page work bundle. Students engage in hands-on activities, critical thinking exercises, games, built-in assessments, and even a fun noble gases skit. The curriculum also includes a research project on elements and a 20-question quiz game to reinforce learning. The writable PDF work bundle and answer keys are included, making this an easy-to-implement resource for teachers.

Key Concepts & Activities: Atoms & Periodic Table of Elements

1. The Origins of the Periodic Table

• Introduction to Dmitri Mendeleev and Henry Moseley and their contributions.

• Card Sorting Activity: Students use playing cards to discover patterns, mirroring how Mendeleev predicted missing elements.

• Discussion on atomic mass, atomic number, and periodic trends.

2. Periodic Table Structure & Trends

• Students create a mini-periodic table in their journals.

• Horizontal rows (Periods) and Vertical columns (Groups/Families) are explained.

• Trends explored: increasing atomic mass, electronegativity, and reactivity.

3. Properties of Metals, Non-Metals & Metalloids

• Transition Metals: Malleability, conductivity, high density, and chemical reactivity.

• Thermite Reaction Demonstration: A dramatic display of metal reactivity.

• Alkali & Alkaline Earth Metals: Students color-code their periodic tables.

• Metalloids & Non-Metals: Step-by-step notes on properties and bonding.

• Paperclip & Toothpick Activity: Hands-on exploration of malleability vs. brittleness.

4. Noble Gases & Fun Skit Activity

• Dramatic Skit: Students act out Noble Gas characters, portraying their lack of reactivity in a fun, memorable way.

• Periodic Table Coloring: Identifying and coding noble gases in students’ mini tables.

5. Element Research Project & Classroom Periodic Table

• Students research and create an “Element Profile” page.

• Each page is displayed to build a class periodic table.

• Element Battleship Game

6. End-of-Unit Review & Quiz Game

• 20-question quiz game covering key periodic table concepts.

• Built-in challenge questions and review opportunities.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

✅ Fully Editable & Google Classroom-Compatible – Customize to fit your curriculum. ✅ Hands-On, Engaging Activities – Includes experiments, demonstrations, and skits. ✅ Built-In Assessments & Review Games – Reinforce learning with structured assessments. ✅ Ideal for Middle & High School Science – Designed for grades 6–10.

This interactive periodic table unit is designed to make chemistry fun, accessible, and engaging. With a mix of science, history, and hands-on learning, students will develop a deep understanding of elements, trends, and periodic relationships.

Perfect for middle and high school chemistry teachers, this comprehensive unit ensures students grasp essential periodic table concepts while having fun!