Hobbies And Interests
Element Trading Cards
Assign at least three elements to each child. Help the kids make trading cards for those elements. The cards should have the name of the element, a diagram or picture, the atomic number, atomic weight, and the element group. Once all the cards have been created, let the kids trade. Challenge them to get three cards with elements from the same group or with consecutive atomic numbers.
Which Element Am I?
Either utilize the element trading cards or just write element names on a pieces of paper. Tape a trading card or piece of paper with an element name on each child's back. Tell the kids they have to figure out which element is on their backs asking only yes or no questions.
Marshmallow Elements
Use toothpicks and colored mini marshmallows to build three dimensional models of atoms. Use a different color to represent protons, electrons, and neutrons. To build the dense nucleus, cut the toothpicks in half and have children put more than one marshmallow on each piece.
Periodic Table Boxes
Gather several shoe boxes and label each with a different element. Challenge kids to find items that represent the element and put them into the box. This could include pictures or objects. Once the boxes are full, take off the labels and see if they can name the elements.