Have your students create an infographic with information about an element. This activity will give your students the opportunity to look in detail at a particular element.
Let each student choose their own element, or alternatively, give every one of your students a different element to research. Students will include the atomic number, mass, any isotopes, the electron arrangement, and uses of their chosen element.
Students can search “atom” to find the smart atom diagram. Electrons are arranged in shells and fill the shells from the closest shell to the nucleus to the furthest away. Different shells can hold different amounts of electrons. The first shell only holds two electrons, the second and third shells hold eight electrons, and the fourth shell holds 18 electrons.
Students should then research some facts about their element and include details about some numerical properties of their element by including the melting point, boiling point, density, and number of isotopes, as well as uses and properties of the element.
This assignment is completely customizable. You can find additional infographic templates to add to the assignment if desired.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create an infographic that demonstrates your knowledge of a particular element.
Set up a gallery walk by having students display their element infographics around the classroom. This allows everyone to learn about multiple elements in an interactive way and encourages peer-to-peer teaching.
Have students post their completed infographics on desks, walls, or boards. Make sure each display is easy to see and includes the student’s name and the element's name or symbol.
Create groups of 3–4 students to walk through the gallery together. Give each group a starting point so they rotate through all displays and minimize crowding.
Hand out a simple worksheet for students to record interesting facts, uses, or properties from at least 5–8 different elements. This keeps them engaged and focused as they explore.
Invite students to answer questions about their element when peers stop by, or have a brief Q&A at the end. This builds confidence in sharing research and deepens collective understanding.
To create a periodic table element research project, assign each student an element and have them gather key details like atomic number, mass, electron arrangement, isotopes, melting and boiling point, density, properties, and uses. Students can present their findings as an infographic using templates for easy visualization.
Students should include their element’s name, symbol, atomic number, mass, protons, neutrons, electrons, electron arrangement, melting and boiling point, density, number of isotopes, properties, uses, and interesting facts such as discovery and toxicity.
The best way is to create an infographic that combines text boxes for data, labeled diagrams (like atom models), and images to show uses. This helps students clearly display essential information and makes learning more engaging and memorable.
Explain that electrons fill shells around the nucleus: the first shell holds 2, the second and third hold 8 each, and the fourth holds 18. Use diagrams to show how electrons are added one at a time, starting with the closest shell to the nucleus.
Students can look for facts like who discovered the element, when it was found, natural abundance, whether it is toxic or safe, and unique properties or uses. These details make their infographics more engaging and informative.