What it shows
Elements in the same column have the same number of outer electrons and similar properties. The chart shows the pattern of metals, non-metals and noble gases.
The science
In the modern periodic table, elements are arranged in order of atomic number. Elements in a group have the same number of outer electrons, so they react alike: group 1 metals like sodium are very reactive, while group 18 gases like neon are inert. Along a period, the number of outer electrons rises one by one, and the properties change from metallic to non-metallic.
Materials
Cost: under Rs 50. Many items come from home or from waste; spare parts such as LEDs, motors and wire are in the store.
- A large chart paper or the back of an old flex banner
- Egg tray cups cut singly
- Poster paint in four colours
- Beads for electrons
- Glue and a marker
- A ruler
Safety
For this project: An adult must cut the egg tray and flex. Keep beads away from small children.
Never use mains electricity: power models with cells, batteries or a low-voltage adapter. Sharp and hot tools, flames and lab chemicals need an adult or your teacher beside you. Keep magnets, button cells and small parts away from young children, and wash your hands after making.
All the safety rulesStep by step
8 steps. Do them in order, and test each part before you go on to the next. Write what you notice in a notebook as you go.
Rule the chart paper into 3 rows and 18 columns using only the boxes needed for hydrogen to calcium.
Paint the egg tray cups in four colours: metals, non-metals, metalloids and noble gases.
Glue each cup in its place, from hydrogen at the top left to calcium.
Write the symbol, name and atomic number inside every cup.
Add beads in each cup to show the electrons in the outer shell.
Colour the group numbers along the top and period numbers along the side.
Mark the position of the metals and non-metals with a zig-zag line.
Write one fact about each group on a card pinned beside it.
What you should see
A colourful chart where columns share the same outer-electron beads and the reactive and inert elements stand out.
Viva questions
A teacher or a judge will ask how it works. Try to answer each question before you open it, then compare.
1What does the atomic number tell us?
The number of protons in the nucleus.
2Why are group 1 elements similar?
They each have one outer electron.
3Which group has full outer shells?
Group 18, the noble gases.
4What changes along a period?
The number of outer electrons increases by one.
Take it further
Extend the chart to the next 10 elements and add their common uses.
Change one thing, measure what happens, and add a table or chart of your readings: that is what turns a model into your own investigation.
Free ebooks for this project
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