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How to Easily Understand the Periodic Table of Elements {Chemistry}
The Periodic Table of Elements can be daunting for many homeschoolers, both students and parents alike. However, with an open mind, a clever collection of books and some well-chosen hands-on activities, this concept is not as difficult as it seems.
Studies show that learning happens more easily and sticks better through a multisensory approach. And this holds true for anything we want to memorize, including the Periodic Table of Elements. And, despite the vast differences we might hold in our teaching styles, most of us would probably agree with the research; the more often you are exposed to something and in the most ways you are exposed to it, the better chance of survival that something has of staying put in your brain.
Besides, it’s simply more fun!
The key to easily teaching the Periodic Table of Elements is frequent exposure across a variety of multisensory experiences.
BOOKS
A great place for learners of all ages to start understanding the periodic table of elements is through books and I don’t mean dry, boring textbooks! I mean colorful, stimulating books that help bring the elements alive.
There are several options that visually demonstrate each element’s characteristics but our favorite is Elements by Theodore Gray. It’s a thick book with large (10″x10″) pages and gorgeous color photographs. Each element has its own two-page spread with several examples of where the element is found and how it is used. There is also some rich informational text on the element’s history along with a few tables and charts to highlight its structure, radius, density, etc. In my opinion, if you buy one book on the subject, this is the one to buy. It’s perfect for multiple ages while not dumbing down the content.
Another great way to learn about the periodic table is through picture books that use cartoons or illustrations to explain each element. These books are perfect for younger students as they can often understand complex concepts when explained through visuals. One of these most popular books is A Beginner’s Guide to the Periodic Table by Gill Arbuthnott. It includes kid-sized information combined with real photographs and cute illustrations to highlight many of the elements. It also does a great job of introducing the basics of chemistry.
This next option might seem unusual but Usborne’s Lift-the-Flap Periodic Table is by far my favorite book to use as a teaching tool! Despite the fact that it is a “lift-the-flap” book, kids of all ages have enjoyed it and learned a ton from it! I used this book as the base for a six-week middle school/high school co-op class. The entire purpose of the class was to expose the students to the Periodic Table of Elements and this book served as the perfect foundation! It’s silly but in a fun, entertaining way. And it is educational but in a bite-sized, meaningful way. It focuses on explaining the elements in their assigned groups, which helps tremendously in terms of understanding them.
PUZZLES AND MANIPULATIVES
Because the Periodic Table involves over one-hundred individual elements, being able to manipulate each piece in and out of its correct placement is an excellent way to learn where, and more importantly why, it belongs on the table. And puzzles and manipulatives are an excellent way to do just that!
Usborne offers a Periodic Table Jigsaw Puzzle in the same exact same style as the book mentioned above. It even comes with a smaller, version of the book {without the flaps} which makes for a great combo. My teenager and I did the puzzle together one rainy day and absolutely loved the experience! Spending time grouping the pieces together by color and then placing them in order was an amazing way to cement our previous knowledge. We loved the finished product so much that we left it on the table too long…according to Cricket, the Cat anyhow. 😉
This set of tiles looks like another great option for a hands-on way to experience the Periodic Table of Elements. We have not used this set ourselves but the fact that each element has its own tile, as opposed to the puzzle above, makes it a great way to concretely grasp each element and its placement on the table.
Another idea, which I have not used, but wish I had thought of years ago, is a set of magnets for the fridge! I found two different sets on Amazon. The first set is based on the first book I mentioned, Elements by Theodore Gray. Considering the quality of the book, I am guessing this is a nice set. However, you might prefer the second set since it is color-coded with the table. But, either set looks like a brilliant addition to any classroom or kitchen!
Or you could take the super-serious hands-on approach and have your kids create their very own large-scale Periodic Table of Elements! All you would need is different-colored Post-It Notes, a marker and a large wall space!
GAMES
Our family loves educational games and owns quite a collection that covers many subjects, chemistry included. Two of our absolute faves include Periodic and Valence. Periodic is a rather involved game but is entirely centered around the basics of the Periodic Table of Elements. Valence, on the other hand, is a more simple game in its play but delves more into reactions and compounds, making it more complex from a science perspective. I even have detailed game reviews for both Periodic and Valence. You may want to read those before you buy!
Another fun route would be to create your very own Battleship Game but style it after the Periodic Table of Elements. I personally have not made a set myself but this pin makes it look easy to make and fun to play!
OTHER
I absolutely love this list of images of what each element would like if they were people. It’s very clever and totally hilarious, which makes it fully memorable!
How about a daily reminder of the order of things? This shower curtain looks amazing!
And, last, but certainly not least, are some delicious-looking cookies…one for each element and arranged just like the Periodic Table of Elements. I LOVE THEM! The only problem would be that as soon as one is eaten, your table is ruined…so you might as well just eat them all and do one of the other ideas mentioned above!
