Element Adventure

Melodie Kabashima

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Element Adventure

Explore elements and their properties

In this lesson, students will embark on an exciting journey through the periodic table, learning about different elements and their properties. They'll create element trading cards and engage in a scavenger hunt to discover elements in everyday life. This lesson is important as it introduces students to the foundational concepts of chemistry in an engaging and interactive way, fostering curiosity and understanding of the natural world.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Explore elements and their properties

Materials

Periodic Table Handout, Element Trading Card Template, Scavenger Hunt List, Pens and Pencils, Scissors, and Glue

Step 1

Introduction to Elements

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what elements are and their importance in everyday life.
Show a periodic table and explain how it is organized.
Distribute the Periodic Table Handout to each student.

Step 2

Create Element Trading Cards

20 mins

Provide each student with an Element Trading Card Template.
Instruct students to choose an element and fill out the card with information such as atomic number, symbol, and interesting facts.
Allow students to decorate their cards with drawings or symbols related to their element.

Step 3

Element Scavenger Hunt

20 mins

Hand out the Scavenger Hunt List to each student.
Explain that students will search for items around the classroom or school that contain specific elements.
Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to find as many items as possible.

Step 4

Closure and Reflection

10 mins

Gather students and ask them to share one interesting fact they learned about their chosen element.
Discuss the scavenger hunt findings and how elements are part of everyday objects.
Conclude with a reflection on the importance of elements in science and daily life.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Reading

Periodic Table Handout

A handout of the periodic table for students to reference during the lesson.

Periodic Table - A visual representation of all known chemical elements, organized by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.

Worksheet

Element Trading Card Template

A template for students to create their own element trading cards.

Element Name: _______

Atomic Number: _______

Symbol: _______

Interesting Fact: _______

Worksheet

Element Scavenger Hunt List

A list of items for students to find that contain specific elements.

Find an item that contains Carbon.

Look for something made of organic material.

Find an item that contains Iron.

Check for metal objects.

Find an item that contains Calcium.

Think about bones or dairy products.