Twisted Science: Explore the Periodic Table of Elements - Part 1- (Camp)

Everything that exists is made up of elements. Whether elements are on their own or combined with other elements they make up everything. Understanding what elements are and how they work is fundamental to having a deep understanding of science. In this class we will look at the periodic table of elements, examine why it has its current layout, and study several of the groups or families on the periodic table. Students will learn through listening, viewing, creating, and discussing.  The class will follow this outline:

Day 1: Periodic Table and Atoms Overview
~ Slideshow and lecture about the history and setup of the periodic table
~ Coloring activity to identify different families in the periodic table
~ Slideshow and lecture about what atoms are and what they are made of
~ Draw models of atoms to help understand the parts of an atom

Day 2: Alkali Metals
~ Slideshow and lecture about physical and chemical properties of alkali metals
~ Students will create electron diagrams
~ Discuss and model ways atoms of alkali metals react with other elements
~ Watch brief video clips to analyze ways alkali metals react with other elements
~ Examine and discuss ways alkali metals are used in modern society

Day 3: Alkaline Earth Metals
~ Slideshow and lecture about physical and chemical properties of alkaline earth metals
~ Students will create electron diagrams
~ Discuss and model ways atoms of alkaline earth metals react with other elements
~ Watch brief video clips to analyze ways alkaline earth metals react with other elements
~ Examine and discuss ways alkaline earth metals are used in modern society

Day 4: Metalloids
~ Slideshow and lecture about physical and chemical properties of metalloids
~ Students will create electron diagrams
~ Discuss and model ways atoms of metalloids react with other elements
~ Watch brief video clips to analyze ways metalloids react with other elements
~ Examine and discuss ways metalloids are used in modern society

Day 5: Noble Gasses
~ Slideshow and lecture about physical and chemical properties of noble gasses
~ Students will create electron diagrams
~ Discuss and model ways atoms of noble gasses are unique compared to other elements
~ Watch brief video clips to analyze ways noble gasses can be manipulated to react
~ Examine and discuss ways noble gasses are used in modern society

Cover image from creative commons: "Periodic Table of Froot Loops" by Ben+Sam is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0