Exploring the Periodic Table (Flex)

This course will discuss the main piece of decor in every chemistry classroom- the periodic table. Learn about the mysteries hidden in this giant table of knowledge and use that knowledge to solve a chemistry mystery in the last week of the course!

By the end of this course, students should be able to:
-Describe the history of the periodic table
-Describe the symbols on the periodic table and their meaning
-Identify the groups of the periodic table and determine which group an element belongs in based on its properties or position on the periodic table
-Define atomic radius, electronegativity, ionization energy, and electron affinity
-Arrange elements by increasing or decreasing atomic radius, electronegativity, ionization energy, and electron affinity
-Use the periodic table to determine where a mystery element should be placed

This is a flexible schedule class. You will be able to watch the videos and complete the activities on your own time and will interact with your teacher and classmates through the Outschool classroom. The videos will be available via an unlisted YouTube link that will be posted in the classroom each week. The instructor will always be available to answer questions or elaborate on confusing content.

Week 1: 
Activity: Arrange your own periodic table- students will share their periodic tables in the classroom and compare to those created by their classmates
Video 1: A Brief History of the Periodic Table
Video 2: Basic structure of the modern periodic table

Week 2: 
Video 1: Groups of the Periodic Table
Activity: Elemental Haiku- students will share their creations and the class will vote for the best representation of a group.
Activity: Comic book elements- given information about a comic book element, students will decide where it should be on the periodic table and justify their choice to their classmates.

Week 3: 
Video 1: Periodic Trends
Activity: Elemental March Madness- students will be given a bracket of elements and compare periodic trends to determine the Elemental Final Four, and compare the results with their classmates.

Week 4:
Video 1: A look at alternative periodic tables
Activity: Periodic Table Mystery- students will be given a series of clues and will use their knowledge of the periodic table to determine the solution to a mystery. They will share their results in the classroom, as well as ask each other for help solving the mystery if they get stumped.


Students will be expected to participate in online classroom discussions and to submit their work each week. The instructor will provide prompt feedback and will moderate classroom discussion.

There is no previously required background knowledge for this class.