Periodic Table: Game for Kids

Would you eat an Arsenic cupcake?

Obviously you would not. But, the cupcakes shown have symbols for different elements written in icing, including arsenic.

I am very excited about the responses received about the periodic table activities. I ask for ideas for games related to the periodic chart and a received the following from Amida. This homeschooling mom has a wonderful website, so check out her ideas  HERE.

You are going to love Amida’s periodic table activity.

The Periodic Table Game

Amida said, “So here is the crazy idea that came to me. It’s a little complicated and does require prep work.
I’m thinking of a game where all the players get a section of the periodic table (maybe a 3×3 grid), with elements on them.”

“There would be a full-sized copy of the periodic table for reference. Then we’d have a set of pre-made cards with each card having a question about an element.”

“At every turn, a player picks a card from the deck and reads the question or clue. If the clue or questions  describes an element on the player’s game card, he or she places a counter on that element. If not, the next player draws a card.

FYI: For faster game play, when a clue is read, everyone with a fitting element can place a counter on their game card.

Examples of Clues

FYI: The clues could be printed out on cardstock.

This element is a solid at room temperature.
This element is a liquid at room temperature.
This element is a gas at room temperature.
This element doesn’t burn, but has to be present for other things to burn.
Diamonds are made of this element.
Sand contains this element.
This element is part of a water molecule.
The name of this element begins with a Z.
The symbol of this element begins with a C.
This element has an atomic weight of ______.
This element is synthetically created.
This element has an atomic number between 2 and 12.
This element is radioactive.
This element is found in the air you inhale.
This element is found in your exhaled breath.
This element makes balloons float in the air.
This element is flammable.
This element burns green.

“Well, you get the idea. There could be multiple answers to each of the clues so they can put a counter on whichever one fits (but only 1 counter per turn — they can figure out a strategy on which ones to try to fill up first!). The questions and clues would depend on what facts the students already know and they could add more clues as their knowledge deepens. The player who fills their board up first wins.”

“I’m going to make a little mock up for us because I think my kids would love this game! Let me know what you think!”

Feedback from Amida

“My kids are having a blast making this game! They are brainstorming questions right now and I’m making the chart and playing pieces. I’ll show you when I’m done. My son suggested using a blank board and separate element pieces to make random game boards every time. Anyways, back to work! I’m writing the elements in different colors according to type… long process!”