Activity Overview
Have your students create their own periodic table by researching the first 20 elements and creating a chart that contains key information like their symbols, atomic numbers, atom diagrams, and mass. Students should also include a visualization of the use of the element.
It is important to remind them that if the symbol for an element has two letters, then the first letter will be capitalized and the second will be lowercase. For example, the symbol for helium is He, not HE or he. The elements are arranged by order of atomic number (which is the number of protons and electrons), not the atomic mass.
This is a great activity to check concept understanding at the end of teaching the elements and periodic table. Alternatively, have your students complete this activity at the start of the topic and use the resource they made as a personalized study guide. You can make this less challenging for students by giving them more information at the start or by asking them to include less information. For example, students could just include the symbol and the atomic number. To stretch your more advanced students, get them to research properties and uses for each of the first 20 elements. They could then include this information on their storyboards.
Please note in this activity, we have used the atomic mass of the most abundant isotope for each element. You may find that the average atomic mass is listed on some periodic tables.
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 a chart detailing key information about the first 20 elements.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- First find the symbol and names on the first 20 elements and use Textables to write them in each cell in the correct order. Remember if an element has two letters for its symbol, the first letter will be a capital and the second will be lowercase.
- Then research the information to include in the blue fact box. You should include
- The atomic number
- The atomic mass
- The number of protons
- The number of neutrons
- The number of electrons
- Create the electron arrangement for each element using the smart atom diagram. Remember the first shell can hold 2 electrons, the second and third can hold 8, and the fourth shell can hold 18.
- Finally add a visualization to the cell to represent the element. This could be an image what it looks like or what it is used for.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 10 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order, Names, and Symbols | All elements are put in the correct order, with the correct name, and with the correct symbol. | Most of the elements are put in the correct order, with the correct name, and with the correct symbol. | Some of the elements are put in the correct order, with the correct name, and with the correct symbol. |
| Information | The atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of neutrons, and number of electrons is correct for every element. | The atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of neutrons, and number of electrons is correct for most elements. | The atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of neutrons, and number of electrons is correct for some elements. |
| Electron Arrangement | The electron arrangement diagram is correct for every element. | The electron arrangement diagram is correct for most elements. | The electron arrangement diagram is correct for some elements. |
| Visualization | There is a image which clearly represents every element. | There are images which represent most elements. | There are images which represent some elements, but they are not clear. |
| 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 their own periodic table by researching the first 20 elements and creating a chart that contains key information like their symbols, atomic numbers, atom diagrams, and mass. Students should also include a visualization of the use of the element.
It is important to remind them that if the symbol for an element has two letters, then the first letter will be capitalized and the second will be lowercase. For example, the symbol for helium is He, not HE or he. The elements are arranged by order of atomic number (which is the number of protons and electrons), not the atomic mass.
This is a great activity to check concept understanding at the end of teaching the elements and periodic table. Alternatively, have your students complete this activity at the start of the topic and use the resource they made as a personalized study guide. You can make this less challenging for students by giving them more information at the start or by asking them to include less information. For example, students could just include the symbol and the atomic number. To stretch your more advanced students, get them to research properties and uses for each of the first 20 elements. They could then include this information on their storyboards.
Please note in this activity, we have used the atomic mass of the most abundant isotope for each element. You may find that the average atomic mass is listed on some periodic tables.
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 a chart detailing key information about the first 20 elements.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- First find the symbol and names on the first 20 elements and use Textables to write them in each cell in the correct order. Remember if an element has two letters for its symbol, the first letter will be a capital and the second will be lowercase.
- Then research the information to include in the blue fact box. You should include
- The atomic number
- The atomic mass
- The number of protons
- The number of neutrons
- The number of electrons
- Create the electron arrangement for each element using the smart atom diagram. Remember the first shell can hold 2 electrons, the second and third can hold 8, and the fourth shell can hold 18.
- Finally add a visualization to the cell to represent the element. This could be an image what it looks like or what it is used for.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 10 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order, Names, and Symbols | All elements are put in the correct order, with the correct name, and with the correct symbol. | Most of the elements are put in the correct order, with the correct name, and with the correct symbol. | Some of the elements are put in the correct order, with the correct name, and with the correct symbol. |
| Information | The atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of neutrons, and number of electrons is correct for every element. | The atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of neutrons, and number of electrons is correct for most elements. | The atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of neutrons, and number of electrons is correct for some elements. |
| Electron Arrangement | The electron arrangement diagram is correct for every element. | The electron arrangement diagram is correct for most elements. | The electron arrangement diagram is correct for some elements. |
| Visualization | There is a image which clearly represents every element. | There are images which represent most elements. | There are images which represent some elements, but they are not clear. |
| 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 First Twenty Periodic Table Elements
Organize a Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt for Deeper Engagement
Boost student motivation by turning your periodic table lesson into an interactive scavenger hunt. Students will search for real-life items or images that represent each of the first 20 elements, connecting classroom learning with the world around them.
Explain the scavenger hunt rules and objectives clearly
Set expectations by reviewing safety, boundaries, and what counts as a valid item or image. Clarify if digital images, drawings, or found objects are allowed, and outline how students should document their findings.
Assign students or groups specific elements to find
Divide the first 20 elements among students or small groups to ensure each element is covered. Assigning roles keeps everyone engaged and prevents duplication.
Have students present and explain their findings
Ask each student or group to show their item or image and briefly describe how it relates to the assigned element. This reinforces understanding and helps connect abstract concepts to real-world examples.
Wrap up with a reflection and discussion
Lead a short class discussion on which elements were easiest or hardest to find and why those elements are important in daily life. Highlight key takeaways and celebrate student creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about First Twenty Periodic Table Elements
What are the first 20 elements of the periodic table and their symbols?
The first 20 elements of the periodic table are: Hydrogen (H), Helium (He), Lithium (Li), Beryllium (Be), Boron (B), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Fluorine (F), Neon (Ne), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S), Chlorine (Cl), Argon (Ar), Potassium (K), and Calcium (Ca).
How can I teach students to create their own periodic table of the first 20 elements?
Guide students to research each element and make a chart with information such as symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, proton/neutron/electron counts, atom diagrams, and a visualization of the element’s use. This hands-on activity reinforces understanding and can be adjusted for different skill levels.
What information should be included in a student-made periodic table chart for the first 20 elements?
Include each element’s name, symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, neutrons, electrons, electron arrangement, and a visualization (such as an image or example use).
What is the correct way to write element symbols with two letters?
For elements with two-letter symbols, the first letter is always uppercase and the second is lowercase. For example, Helium is written as He, not HE or he.
What is a simple way to help students remember the order of the first 20 elements?
Use mnemonics, songs, or visual aids like colorful charts to help students memorize the order of the first 20 elements by their atomic number.
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