Product Description

What do calendars, music, card games and chocolate chip cookies have in common? They are the basis for a unit that lets students become actively engaged in discovering the arrangement of the periodic table. Layered exercises introduce the periodic table using familiar terms and analogies while simulating the struggle to create this cornerstone of science. Students explore these relationships as they practice their basic lab and recording skills through hands-on activities that emphasize higher-order creative thinking. Completion of the entire series helps students gain a more thorough comprehension of the periodic table pattern, and confidence in navigating through the information it contains.

The activities presented in this book approach the periodic table from the perspective of ongoing scientific exploration. Information is not presented, it is discovered through creative, hands-on, minds-on activities that encourage the application of higher-level thinking skills. Suggestions are also made on how to carry the analogies through in other science units.

This dynamic unit meets national science standards in seven teaching and content areas. Tested and evaluated over a six year period, The Periodic Table includes detailed teaching outlines, student worksheets, teacher keys and helpful appendices.

Grades 5-8

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1077839 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 84 pages

Review
The Periodic Table, written by Cindy Blobaum and illustrated by Mary Lou Johnson, offers two lessons exploring the structure and organization of the periodic table of the elements. The lessons are designed for grades five through eight, to be covered in two to three 45-minute class periods. Instruction is discovery-style, and is intended to help students understand Mendeleev’s work and the basic history and development of the table.

The Periodic Table addresses several important National Science Teaching and Content Standards, including those facilitating inquiry-based instruction and the history and nature of science. Activity sheet masters are provided, as is a bit of background information on Mendeleev and the elements. Also provided are references and a number of thoughtful, cross-curricular extension activities.

The Periodic Table would be a worthy addition to a mid-to-upper level science program. --S. Wali Abdi, School Science and Mathematics

About the Author
Cindy Blobaum has spend the past fifteen years developing, testing and sharing innovative educational lessons. Her overarching goal has always been to make science interesting and understandable for students, and inexpensive and easy for educators. Her experiences range from presenting non-formal education programs to preschoolers; to teaching Science Methods for Elementary Teachers at the college level. Projects have included designing and implementing a district-wide Missouri River education program for Omaha, Nebraska 5 - 6th grades, and writing CD and web content for Iowa Public Television's interactive educational productions. She has presented her lessons and methods at numerous regional and national conferences. She is the author of Geology Rocks!, Insectigations, and articles for Science Scope and Connect magazines. Currently working on a freelance basis, her four young children make sure the basic question of “Why?” is never far from her thoughts.