November

For science teachers, teaching the periodic table can be a daunting task. It’s complex and full of information that is often seen as simultaneously simplistic and intimidating. But with the right resources, you can make discovering the beauty of the periodic table a rewarding a g learning experience for your students. At our recent Chemistry Working Group meeting, educators shared their insights on how to approach teaching this important topic in an engaging and effective way.

Resources for Teaching the Periodic Table

One resource recommended at the meeting was Angelica Stacy’s book Living by Chemistry – Periodic Table Card Sort. This resource helps students learn about elements and understand how they are arranged on the periodic table. Worksheets were made available that allowed teachers to customize activities to meet their students’ individual needs. Other great resources include Vision Learning, and POGIL – all of which help teachers create engaging lesson plans around the periodic table.

Strategies for Engaging Learners

Teachers also discussed strategies for engaging learners in a variety of ways. They suggested demos, hands-on activities, and less traditional approaches such as Modeling and whiteboarding. Additionally, since there are different learning styles among students, it’s important to recognize this diversity when designing lessons about the periodic table. 
The periodic table is an integral part of any science curriculum and it’s important for teachers to find ways to engage their students in uncovering its secrets. Through thoughtful planning and utilizing resources like Vision Learning, POGIL Angelica Stacy’s book Living by Chemistry – Periodic Table Card Sort, and a variety of laboratory-based experiences, teachers can bring their lessons on the periodic table alive in powerful ways! With these strategies in place, your classroom will become a hub of learning where your students gain meaningful knowledge while having fun too!

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