Embedded Files
DAY ONE: Introduce Periodic Table
The first thing I like to do to get kids understanding the periodic table of elements. We do a sort of scavenger hunt with the blank periodic table to the left: Something like: Color in blue the things you need to live every day. Color in yellow the elements named after people or places. Then I ask them, "What do you notice? What do you wonder?" Inevitably, some one notices that some numbers are out of order and in the row in the bottom. (That is because they do not occur in nature, but scientists could make them in a lab.) Literally, Day One is just noticing things. Then, if time, a few good videos:
Video that explains it very well!
After the videos, I return to their periodic tables and have them complete this basic worksheet.
1. Periodic Table of Elements.pdf
DAY TWO: Games with Periodic Table
How about a little Periodic Table Battleship? Here are the direction and pieces you need to set it up. Get 30 file folders, the laminator, and you got a good little activity to keep those monkeys occupied!
I like to start this game and then keep it to play at multiple times during the year. It just gets them familiar with the table and you know how those standardized tests like to involved the periodic table of elements! :)
Now, get kids to build an atom with this computer simulation! If you are going to do this, I suggest giving kids assignments. For example, "Hector, you are building helium," or "Jessica, make an unstable atom." It's pretty simple, rather fun!
Experiments and Activities
Acids and Bases Experiments
Acids and Bases Experiments
Unless you got a better science budget than me and can get those little testing strips, I use this simulation to let kids see what is "basic" and what is "acidic." Then, I have kids taste different foods so they know what acidic and basic tastes like...
Electricity Experiments
Electricity Experiments
Other Chemistry Experiments
Other Chemistry Experiments
Make Rock Candy with Sugar and water. This is an experiment that does take some time but really does show the chemical processes. It does require boiling water so you need to cover some basic safety. If you want, you can have students make it at home and then bring it in to watch the crystals form...
Make Yogurt with Yogurt This is a great experiment about bacteria... because, as I love to say in class.... "Yogurt is the only thing that alive while you eat it." I love telling kids how it is actually illegal to sell yogurt that is already dead... Creepy, right? So, with this experiment kids can see how yogurt is made!
Make Art with Bacteria Here we have an easy lesson with very cheap materials required. This experiment shows kids how the soil is not just dirt, but living things that interact with plant roots to feed them. I like using petri dishes from Amazon, pretty cheap and easy to store in the classroom. Click here for the link to order 30 petri dishes for $11! use them over and over! This website here has a real artist who made a living bacteria into art!
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