Activity Overview
Have your students create an infographic with information about an element. This activity will give your students the opportunity to look in detail at a particular element.
Let each student choose their own element, or alternatively, give every one of your students a different element to research. Students will include the atomic number, mass, any isotopes, the electron arrangement, and uses of their chosen element.
Students can search “atom” to find the smart atom diagram. Electrons are arranged in shells and fill the shells from the closest shell to the nucleus to the furthest away. Different shells can hold different amounts of electrons. The first shell only holds two electrons, the second and third shells hold eight electrons, and the fourth shell holds 18 electrons.
Students should then research some facts about their element and include details about some numerical properties of their element by including the melting point, boiling point, density, and number of isotopes, as well as uses and properties of the element.
This assignment is completely customizable. You can find additional infographic templates to add to the assignment if desired.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create an infographic that demonstrates your knowledge of a particular element.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Name of Element
Include the name (and also symbol if desired) of your element. Remember if an element has 2 letters for its symbol, the first letter will be a capital and the second will be lowercase. Then research the information to include in a fact box below. You should include- The atomic number
- The atomic mass
- The number of protons
- The number of neutrons
- The number of electrons
- Electron Arrangement
Using the atom diagram, arrange the electrons on the shells provided. Remember the first shell can hold 2 electrons, the second and third can hold 8 and the fourth shell can hold 18. - FactsFind some interesting facts about the element. These could be about who discovered it, whether it is toxic to humans, its abundance in the universe or anything else you find interesting.
- Data
Include information about the element’s:- Melting point
- Boiling point
- Density
- Number of isotopes
- PropertiesList three different properties about the element
- UsesInclude some uses of your element. Create visualization of the different uses using Storyboard That images or images from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 14 Points | Emerging 7 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name of Element and Information | You have included the following: and these are all correct. | You have included most of the following: and most of these are correct. | You have included some of the following: and some of these are correct. |
| Electron Arrangement | The electron arrangement diagram is correct, with the correct number of electrons in the correct places. | The electron arrangement shows the correct number of electrons, but they are not in the correct locations. | The electron arrangement shows the wrong number of electrons in the wrong places. |
| Facts | There are at least five interesting and well written facts. | There are at least three facts. | There is at least one fact. |
| Data | All the data boxes are correctly completed. | Most of the data boxes are correctly completed. | Some the data boxes are correctly completed. |
| Properties | There are three correct properties. | There are two correct properties. | There is at least one correct property. |
| Uses | There are a range of uses with visualizations | There are some uses. | There is a use listed. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Have your students create an infographic with information about an element. This activity will give your students the opportunity to look in detail at a particular element.
Let each student choose their own element, or alternatively, give every one of your students a different element to research. Students will include the atomic number, mass, any isotopes, the electron arrangement, and uses of their chosen element.
Students can search “atom” to find the smart atom diagram. Electrons are arranged in shells and fill the shells from the closest shell to the nucleus to the furthest away. Different shells can hold different amounts of electrons. The first shell only holds two electrons, the second and third shells hold eight electrons, and the fourth shell holds 18 electrons.
Students should then research some facts about their element and include details about some numerical properties of their element by including the melting point, boiling point, density, and number of isotopes, as well as uses and properties of the element.
This assignment is completely customizable. You can find additional infographic templates to add to the assignment if desired.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create an infographic that demonstrates your knowledge of a particular element.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Name of Element
Include the name (and also symbol if desired) of your element. Remember if an element has 2 letters for its symbol, the first letter will be a capital and the second will be lowercase. Then research the information to include in a fact box below. You should include- The atomic number
- The atomic mass
- The number of protons
- The number of neutrons
- The number of electrons
- Electron Arrangement
Using the atom diagram, arrange the electrons on the shells provided. Remember the first shell can hold 2 electrons, the second and third can hold 8 and the fourth shell can hold 18. - FactsFind some interesting facts about the element. These could be about who discovered it, whether it is toxic to humans, its abundance in the universe or anything else you find interesting.
- Data
Include information about the element’s:- Melting point
- Boiling point
- Density
- Number of isotopes
- PropertiesList three different properties about the element
- UsesInclude some uses of your element. Create visualization of the different uses using Storyboard That images or images from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 14 Points | Emerging 7 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name of Element and Information | You have included the following: and these are all correct. | You have included most of the following: and most of these are correct. | You have included some of the following: and some of these are correct. |
| Electron Arrangement | The electron arrangement diagram is correct, with the correct number of electrons in the correct places. | The electron arrangement shows the correct number of electrons, but they are not in the correct locations. | The electron arrangement shows the wrong number of electrons in the wrong places. |
| Facts | There are at least five interesting and well written facts. | There are at least three facts. | There is at least one fact. |
| Data | All the data boxes are correctly completed. | Most of the data boxes are correctly completed. | Some the data boxes are correctly completed. |
| Properties | There are three correct properties. | There are two correct properties. | There is at least one correct property. |
| Uses | There are a range of uses with visualizations | There are some uses. | There is a use listed. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Periodic Table Elements Research
Organize a classroom periodic table gallery walk
Set up a gallery walk by having students display their element infographics around the classroom. This allows everyone to learn about multiple elements in an interactive way and encourages peer-to-peer teaching.
Assign students to set up their infographic displays
Have students post their completed infographics on desks, walls, or boards. Make sure each display is easy to see and includes the student’s name and the element's name or symbol.
Divide students into small visiting groups
Create groups of 3–4 students to walk through the gallery together. Give each group a starting point so they rotate through all displays and minimize crowding.
Provide students with a gallery walk worksheet
Hand out a simple worksheet for students to record interesting facts, uses, or properties from at least 5–8 different elements. This keeps them engaged and focused as they explore.
Facilitate quick presentations or Q&A sessions
Invite students to answer questions about their element when peers stop by, or have a brief Q&A at the end. This builds confidence in sharing research and deepens collective understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Periodic Table Elements Research
How can I create a simple periodic table element research project for my students?
To create a periodic table element research project, assign each student an element and have them gather key details like atomic number, mass, electron arrangement, isotopes, melting and boiling point, density, properties, and uses. Students can present their findings as an infographic using templates for easy visualization.
What information should students include in a periodic table element infographic?
Students should include their element’s name, symbol, atomic number, mass, protons, neutrons, electrons, electron arrangement, melting and boiling point, density, number of isotopes, properties, uses, and interesting facts such as discovery and toxicity.
What’s the best way for students to visually organize facts about a chemical element?
The best way is to create an infographic that combines text boxes for data, labeled diagrams (like atom models), and images to show uses. This helps students clearly display essential information and makes learning more engaging and memorable.
How do you explain electron shell arrangement to middle school students?
Explain that electrons fill shells around the nucleus: the first shell holds 2, the second and third hold 8 each, and the fourth holds 18. Use diagrams to show how electrons are added one at a time, starting with the closest shell to the nucleus.
What are some interesting facts students can research about a chemical element?
Students can look for facts like who discovered the element, when it was found, natural abundance, whether it is toxic or safe, and unique properties or uses. These details make their infographics more engaging and informative.
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