Activity Overview
Have students create a timeline that illustrates how ideas of elements and the periodic table have changed over time. You can use this activity to highlight how science needs scientists to collaboratively work together to share findings to further human understanding. Students can also highlight how scientific discoveries can directly benefit the human race and lead to important inventions.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Suggested Milestones and Important Discoveries
- Copper in the Middle East in 9,000 BCE
- Phosphorous by Hennig Brand in 1669
- Cobalt by Georg Brandt in 1735
- Nickel by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt in 1751
- Early List of Elements by Lavoisier in 1789
- Magnesium by Humphry Davy in 1801
- Hydrogen by Henry Cavendish in 1766
- Oxygen by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1771
- Nitrogen by Daniel Rutherford in 1772
- Chlorine by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1774
- Uranium by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1789
- Palladium by William Hyde Wollaston in 1803
- Sodium by Humphry Davy in 1807
- Periodic Table Created by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869
- Gallium by Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1875
- Francium by Maguerite Perey in 1939
- Berkelium by a group of scientists at University of California, Berkeley in 1949
- Californium by a group of scientists at University of California, Berkeley in 1950
- Einsteinium in 1952
- Tennessine in Dubna, Russia in 2010
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 timeline that illustrates how and why ideas of elements and the periodic table have changed over time.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose six people or moments in the history of science that you think are the most important in our understanding of Elements and the Periodic Table.
- Write a title and the date (just the year is fine) for these six moments using the timeline.
- Illustrate the moment with a cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a couple of sentences to describe the moment and why it is important.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event description | All the cells are clearly described with details of the significance of the milestone. | All the cells are clearly described. | Some cells are described. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate all the 6 chosen historical moments. | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate some of the 6 chosen historical moments. | The storyboard cells does not clearly any of the 6 chosen historical moments. |
| 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 students create a timeline that illustrates how ideas of elements and the periodic table have changed over time. You can use this activity to highlight how science needs scientists to collaboratively work together to share findings to further human understanding. Students can also highlight how scientific discoveries can directly benefit the human race and lead to important inventions.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Suggested Milestones and Important Discoveries
- Copper in the Middle East in 9,000 BCE
- Phosphorous by Hennig Brand in 1669
- Cobalt by Georg Brandt in 1735
- Nickel by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt in 1751
- Early List of Elements by Lavoisier in 1789
- Magnesium by Humphry Davy in 1801
- Hydrogen by Henry Cavendish in 1766
- Oxygen by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1771
- Nitrogen by Daniel Rutherford in 1772
- Chlorine by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1774
- Uranium by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1789
- Palladium by William Hyde Wollaston in 1803
- Sodium by Humphry Davy in 1807
- Periodic Table Created by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869
- Gallium by Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1875
- Francium by Maguerite Perey in 1939
- Berkelium by a group of scientists at University of California, Berkeley in 1949
- Californium by a group of scientists at University of California, Berkeley in 1950
- Einsteinium in 1952
- Tennessine in Dubna, Russia in 2010
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 timeline that illustrates how and why ideas of elements and the periodic table have changed over time.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose six people or moments in the history of science that you think are the most important in our understanding of Elements and the Periodic Table.
- Write a title and the date (just the year is fine) for these six moments using the timeline.
- Illustrate the moment with a cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a couple of sentences to describe the moment and why it is important.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event description | All the cells are clearly described with details of the significance of the milestone. | All the cells are clearly described. | Some cells are described. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate all the 6 chosen historical moments. | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate some of the 6 chosen historical moments. | The storyboard cells does not clearly any of the 6 chosen historical moments. |
| 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 Milestones
Engage students with hands-on periodic table element cards
Create a set of element cards for students to manipulate and sort. Using tangible cards fosters engagement and helps students visualize how the periodic table is organized.
Divide students into small groups for collaborative sorting
Assign groups and give each a shuffled deck of element cards. Collaboration encourages teamwork and allows students to share ideas as they try to find patterns among the elements.
Challenge groups to organize cards by different properties
Ask students to sort cards by properties such as atomic number, type (metal/nonmetal), or discovery date. This activity deepens understanding of how the periodic table reflects element properties.
Facilitate a class discussion on sorting strategies and scientific discovery
Lead a discussion where groups share their sorting methods and reasoning. Encouraging reflection helps students connect their activity to the way scientists built the modern periodic table.
Extend learning with a creative periodic table display project
Invite students to design a classroom display using their sorted cards. Creating a visual display reinforces learning and allows students to showcase their understanding in a fun, collaborative way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Periodic Table Milestones
What is a periodic table milestone timeline activity for students?
A periodic table milestone timeline activity asks students to create a visual timeline showing key discoveries and changes in our understanding of chemical elements and the periodic table. This helps students see how scientific ideas develop over time and recognize important scientists and inventions.
How can I help students choose important discoveries for a periodic table timeline?
Encourage students to select six significant people or events that advanced our knowledge of elements. They can pick from early discoveries like copper, the creation of the periodic table by Mendeleev, or the discovery of elements such as hydrogen and francium. Provide a list or template to guide their choices.
What are some key moments to include in a periodic table timeline for middle or high school?
Some important milestones to include are: discovery of copper (9000 BCE), phosphorus (1669), oxygen (1771), hydrogen (1766), Lavoisier's element list (1789), and Mendeleev's periodic table (1869). Including both discoveries and inventions shows the progression of scientific understanding.
What is the best way to make a periodic table timeline interactive for a classroom presentation?
Use timeline posters, digital slides, or gallery walks to let students present their timelines. Allow creative options—like scenes, characters, and brief descriptions—for each milestone. Multiple templates and group or individual work can boost engagement.
Why is teaching the history of the periodic table important in science classes?
Teaching the history of the periodic table helps students understand how scientific knowledge builds over time, the collaborative nature of science, and how discoveries can impact society. It also highlights the role of diverse scientists and critical thinking.
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