6th grade explorations with the Periodic Table

I am so thankful for my years of teaching Science 7 as it has prepared me to teach Science 5 and 6! I can see what students are learning now and where they are going in the next year or two. 

We have been exploring the Periodic Table with readings, a few videos, whiteboard practice, and some fun hands on activities! And a little research too! 

In the photo above, one of my students formed the word 'SeCoNd BReAcKFAsTe' with the Periodic Table which I though was creative to snapped a photo. 

We have been learning all about the atom and the different elements in the Periodic Table. What the atomic number means, atomic mass, how to find the number of protons, neutrons, electrons, what are the energy shells, what the valence electrons are and drew examples on whiteboards so we could get ready for....

creating atoms with candy! Who doesn't want to do that!? I love finding creative activities from Teachers Pay Teachers that I can use in my classroom. We used red and green skittles for the protons and neutrons and white Tic-Tacs for the electrons. I assigned each student a certain element and they created the atom with the candy then drew the atom after getting their candy version checked by me. They also answered some refective questions on the back based off their atom and all its parts. 

Students also each chose an element to do a mini research project giving the atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, neutrons, electrons, energy shells, and valence number along with some interesting facts, where their element is found in nature, etc. I provided some books from the library and a link to the Brittanica site from our library to help with their research. Finally, we have been creating Lewis Dot diagrams with the valence electrons and using those to create formulas which has been really fun! I love when students are understanding what we are doing and enjoying the process of learning. Next week, we will review to take our test then step into a new chapter.