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Are you getting the most from your Periodic Table?

Are you getting the most from your Periodic Table?

Using the periodic table can be quite a daunting task for even the most experienced science teacher. Many difficulties could arise using this staple classroom item, but there are many hidden teacher treasures between the groups, and periods too! Get the most from your periodic table with our quick guide on how to use it.

The United Nations has designated 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table, so what better time to refresh our knowledge on it! As you know, all periodic tables are divided by periods and groups. The periods are the horizontal rows of the periodic table, and the groups are the vertical columns. As you move along a period, elements are arranged in order of their increasing atomic number, from left to right.

Properties of elements change as you move along the period too. The biggest change is between metals and non metals, with the metals on the left and non metals on the right.

Vertically, the columns on a table of elements are called groups. Elements on the table that fall into the same groups have similar properties. The group number is equal to the number of electrons in their outer shell. Periods and groups mean that the organization of the periodic table can be used to figure out the difference in relationships between the element’s properties’ and patterns.

This month, Lasec has launched our brand new periodic table, complete with learner friendly pictures and loads of information about amazing South African scientists. We have made sure that it is easy to use and as interesting as possible, to keep those young minds focused and excited. Here's a great video to teach your learners the different names of the elements.

 

Visit LasecEducation on Twitter and LasecEducationSA on Facebook and tag us in photos of you using your own table of elements!