Essential Question:

• How are elements organized on a periodic table?

Related Benchmark:

• SC.8.P.8.6 Recognize that elements are grouped in the periodic table according to similarities of their properties

You have already learned that the periodic table is arranged by atomic number (the number of protons in an element). The table also gives other important information.

Each column of elements from the top to the bottom is called a group. Groups of elements have properties that are alike. The elements have properties that are alike because of their electrons. All the elements in a group have the same number of electrons in their atoms' outer shells. The outer shell is farthest from the nucleus. The electrons in the outer shell can be thought of as being on the outside of the atom.  Each group has a letter and a number. All of the elements in Group 1 have one electron in their atoms' outermost shell (valence shell).

The groups of elements going across on the table are called periods. Each period has a number. The elements in a period have different properties. All elements in the left-hand side of a period tend to lose electrons. The atoms of the elements toward the right side of the period tend to gain electrons. All the atoms at the far right neither gain nor lose electrons.  These are called Noble Gases. Although the elements in a period have very different properties, we can predict these properties.  On most tables, there is a heavy line going down the right side. It looks like steps. All of the elements to the left of the line are metals; all the elements to the right are nonmetals. The elements that are manmade have an asterisk ( *) in front of the symbol. When you study the table, you will recognize some common elements and their symbols. You will also become familiar with some new elements.

Periodic Table Student Worksheet

This worksheet will help you understand how the periodic table is arranged. Your teacher will give you a copy of the periodic table to color. Using map pencil, make a key and color each group on the table as follows:

1. Color the square for Hydrogen pink.
2. Lightly color all metals yellow.
3. Color the nonmetals orange.
4. Draw checkerboard lines through all the boxes of the noble gases.
5. Using a black color, trace the zigzag line that separates the metals from the nonmetals.