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More information on the groups that elements are classified into.

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The periodic table of the elements is a visual way that chemists have developed to organize the elements of the universe. With this method elements are grouped next to other elements that are similar. As the periodic table was being developed there were many undiscovered elements whose presence was predicted based on a blank spot in the chart. The periodic table is one evidence that the universe is orderly and predictable.

Printable Periodic Table

Then print out a blank Periodic Table of the Elements and have the kids color in the different "families" of chemicals as shown in the periodic table below.

Some Rules of the Periodic Table

Periods run horizontally across the table and the atomic number goes up one as you move from left to right. The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom. The atomic number is the large number at the top of the box for a particular element.

Groups run vertically down the table and all elements in a particular group have the same number of electrons in their outer shell, so they behave in similar ways. The first group, the Alkali metals, have one outer shell electron. The second group has two. Then we skip the dropped down section and go to the group that begins with Boron. The Boron group has three electrons, and so on up to the noble gases which have eight electrons in their outer shell.

The letters in each box are a symbol for the chemical. The symbol for carbon is C, the symbol for lead is Pb and comes from the Latin for lead which is plumbum.

The number at the bottom of the elements box is the atomic weight, or total weight of protons, neutrons, and electrons for that element. Hydrogen, which has one proton and one electron has a weight of 1. (The weight of electrons compared to protons and neutrons is negligible and not really counted.)

After you've explained the basic rules of the periodic table, quiz the kids giving rewards for good performance.

Some examples of quiz questions

Which family does Xenon (Xe) belong to?

What is the chemical symbol for gold?

How many electrons are in the outer shell of Boron (B)?

Name an element in the same group with Carbon.

Which element has the chemical symbol Na?

How many electrons are in the outer shell of the Halogen gasses?

You get the idea. This exercise is not intended to help kids memorize the periodic table, but rather to learn what the symbols mean and how to interpret them, so they can reference the table when they need information later.

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The periodic table of the elements is a visual way that chemists have developed to organize the elements of the universe. With this method elements are grouped next to other elements that are similar. As the periodic table was being developed there were many undiscovered elements whose presence was predicted based on a blank spot in the chart.

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This webpage gives you brief information about the different groups (or families) the elements can be classified in.

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Kid's learn about the science of chemical elements. Basic forms of matter made from a single type of atom.

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Another periodic table where you can click on your element and get more information but this one includes a sample photo relating to each element.

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The Royal Society of Chemistry's interactive periodic table features history, alchemy, podcasts, videos, and data trends across the periodic table. Click the tabs at the top to explore each section. Use the buttons above to change your view of the periodic table and view Murray Robertson's stunning Visual Elements artwork. Click each element to read detailed information.

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Periodic Table - Royal Society of Chemistry

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Interactive periodic table with element scarcity (SRI), discovery dates, melting and boiling points, group, block and period information.

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Find your element on the periodic table and click on it for more information.

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Periodic Table of Elements: Los Alamos National Laboratory

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The Chemistry Division's Periodic Table describes the history, properties, resources, uses, isotopes, forms, costs, and other information for each element.

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Find your element on the periodic table and click on it for more information.

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Interactive periodic table showing names, electrons, and oxidation states. Visualize trends, 3D orbitals, isotopes, and mix compounds. Fully descriptive writeups.