Today we are going to learn more about the properties of elements in the periodic table. An engineer keeps the different element properties in mind when designing. Better designs often include an improvement in the materials used, and materials are made of elements, or compounds of one or more elements. Engineers are always trying to improve things - like airplanes, air conditioning systems, computers or cell phones. Knowledge of the characteristics of the various elements helps them design stronger bridges, lighter airplanes, non-corrosive buildings, the buttons on your toys and games, as well as food and medical applications.) It is essential for engineers to understand the properties of the different elements so that they know what to expect or look for when designing something new.

Why do you think engineers must understand the periodic table? (Answer: Understanding the elements of the periodic table and how they interact with each other is important for engineers because they work with all types of materials. The periodic table of the naturally-occurring elements. What else can we learn by looking at the periodic table? (Possible answers: element names, element abbreviations, atomic numbers, numbers of protons, rare earth elements, etc.) What can we learn from how they are arranged in the table? (They are arranged by their number of protons, or atomic number.)įigure 2. The periodic table has several categories, such as: non-metals, halogens, noble gases, metalloids, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and poor metals.

So, the elements with similar properties are grouped together. First of all, elements are arranged in different groups (vertical) and periods (horizontal). The periodic table tells us a lot of information about the elements. (Point out the locations of all the elements in the student-generated list.) ) Let's find the elements you already know. Show the periodic table, poster size or via overhead projector using the attached Periodic Table Visual Aid or from the Internet using the dynamic periodic table at. Who remembers that the periodic table organizes the elements based on their properties? Today let's learn about some of those properties. (If some students suggest compounds, clarify the difference between elements and compounds. These building blocks are what combine to create everything we see around us. Think of elements as the most basic building blocks. Remember that the elements in the periodic table cannot be further broken down to form a different element. Let's make a list of all the elements we can think of and write them on the board (or on an overhead transparency). A basic understanding of the structure of an atom is helpful, as presented in the The Fundamental Building Blocks of Matter lesson in the Mixtures & Solutions unit. International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - TechnologyĮlement Superhero Example (pdf) Visit [ to print or download.Ī basic understanding of the periodic table of the elements. Time, space, and energy phenomena can be observed at various scales using models to study systems that are too large or too small. Atoms form molecules that range in size from two to thousands of atoms.Īlignment agreement: Thanks for your feedback! Solids may be formed from molecules, or they may be extended structures with repeating subunits Substances are made from different types of atoms, which combine with one another in various ways. This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:ĭevelop a model to predict and/or describe phenomena.Īlignment agreement: Thanks for your feedback! Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.Ĭlick to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation

Dynamic periodic table