Bring creativity into your chemistry lab with Dr Joanna Rhodes’ fascinating KS3 elements lesson plan…
Taking its inspiration from the recent discovery of new elements in the periodic table, this KS3 elements lesson plan will get your students thinking about how scientists discovered, named and organised elements, according to rules set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Task students with coming up with their own element names, and deducing the positions of various elements in the periodic table by investigating their properties.
Finally, contemplate whether we may have reached the ‘end’ of of the periodic table – and if not, what the implications would be if we discovered any new, heavier elements.
Dr Joanna L. Rhodes M.Chem, D.Phil, MRSC is a teacher of science at Shelley College, Huddersfield.
