Build your own Periodic Table
In this homework activity students research information about an element and use this to build an element cube. These can then be used in the next lesson. Elements can be grouped according to their properties (e.g. solid, liquid or gas at room temperature or if it is a metal or non-metal). Students can discuss similar properties, share their interesting facts and see if they can use the symbols to name the element. You can then use the cubes to create a Periodic Table display.
Each student will need:
- The name of an element to study
- A card template for their cube (download word document template here)
- Glue and scissors
- Colouring pens/pencils
- Access to the internet and/or books
Student instructions
The Periodic Table shows all the elements that exist in the Universe. You have been given an element to research and your task is to create an element cube which can be used by your class to create your own Periodic Table (well, part of it anyway!).
- Use the internet and/or books to research the following information about your element:
- Its symbol
- Some properties – is it a solid, liquid or gas at room temperature? What are its melting and boiling point? How dense is it in g/cm3? Is it a metal or non-metal?
- Its appearance (you can describe it, draw it or print out an image of it)
- Some uses
- An interesting fact
- Write each piece of information on one side of your cube template. On the final side, write the name of the element.
- Cut out the cube and stick it together.
Useful websites
Here are two interactive Periodic Tables. Click on an element for more information:
If your prefer to watch videos, try this from the University of Nottingham
Further Work
Ask your students to read Science in the News – New elements in the Periodic Table about how new elements are being discovered.
By Gemma Young for Smart Learning