Unknown and Well Known

Use Crayola® Colored Pencils and Crayons to display the chemical elements of the periodical table on large, colorful information cards.

• 1.

  Research one of the first 18 elements of the periodic table. Find out its individual characteristics, such as its symbol, how heavy it is, whether it usually has a color, or if it has an odor. Find out where this element can be found in everyday items (lithium is in batteries).

• 2.

  Design a card for your element. Use Crayola® Scissors to cut a 6-inch (15 by 15 cm) square from colored construction paper. Write the element's name in large letters with Crayola Crayons. Use symbols and phrases to list the element's characteristics.

• 3.

  On the back of the card, use Crayola Colored Pencils to list where this element exists in well-known items.

• 4.

  Share information about the elements with classmates. Put all of the cards together on a table or attach magnetic tape on the back to display on a magnetic board. Work together to classify the elements according to similar properties. How many different ways can they be arranged?

Benefits

• Students become familiar with the periodic table of the elements and those elements as basic structural units for familiar materials.
• Students create cards with descriptions and uses for their selected elements.
• Students identify and classify elements with similar properties.

Adaptations

• Create your own book of the first 18 elements. Create cards on which to record information. Classify the elements yourself, using colored pencils to record your system. Punch holes and tie cards together with your organization grid on the front.
• Research the periodic table of elements. Design your own copy of the grid using metallic colors to emphasize the organizational format of periods and columns.