Claflin University School of

Education
EDUC 434: Teaching of Science in Middle/Secondary Schools
Reflective Lesson Plan Model
Name: Alycia Moore-Smith

Date: October 15, 2014

PART I: PLANNING
Title of Lesson

The Periodic Table

Is this lesson original idea? If not, from what source did I borrow this lesson?

Source
Physical Science
Subject Area (s)
7th Grade
Grade Level
Curriculum Standards

Standard 7.P.2: The student will demonstrate an understanding

of the structure and properties of matter and that matter is
conserved as it undergoes changes.
7. P.2A.2 Obtain and use information about elements
(including chemical symbol, atomic number, atomic mass,
and group or family) to describe the organization of the
periodic table.
Describe the lessons activities and content to provide a clear overview of the lesson.

Description and Background All substances are composed of one or more elements.
Elements are pure substances which contain only one kind of
Information
atom. The periodic table organizes these elements based on
similar properties. Compounds are substances composed of two
or more elements. Chemical formulas can be used to describe
compounds.
Lesson Objectives

What will students be able to do at the conclusion of this lesson? Make sure that your
objective(s) are measurable.

SWBAT:
Identify trends in the periodic table
Identify the most reactive metals and non-metals
Distinguish the difference between periods and groups
Identify the alkali family, halogen family, and noble gas
family
Use atomic number, atomic mass and electron
configuration to place elements in their appropriate places
Learn useful facts about some of the elements.

How will I vary these objectives for students who do not understand the material?

Varying Objectives for

Individuals Needs

I will work with these students individually or have them pair with
a student who has already mastered the concept. (reciprocal
teaching)
How will I vary these objectives for students who have already mastered the concept?

I will provide these students with early-finishers work or have

them work with students who do not understand the material.
How will I vary these objectives for students who are presently learning English?

I will work with these students individually; before, during,

between and after classes. I will also offer help to the students;
ELL programs, etc.
Why is it important for the students to learn this content?

Statement of Purpose

Materials and Resources

The periodic table is useful for modern students and scientists

because it helps predict the types of chemical reactions that are
likely for an element. Rather than memorize facts and figures for
each element, a quick glance at the table reveals a lot about the
reactivity of an element, whether it is likely to conduct electricity,
whether it is hard or soft, and many other characteristics.
What materials and supplies are needed to help your students achieve the stated
objectives? What will the teacher need? What will the students need? What other
resources are needed? Will you use resource speakers?
I will need:

I will need:
Periodic table print-outs (blank)
Paper, for the diagnostic and summative assessment
SMART Board / Pens
Students will need:
SMART Board / Pens
(KWL Chart)
-What do you (students) know?
-What do you (students) want to know?
-What did you (students) learn?
Anticipatory Set

What will you do to motivate the students and get their attention? What is the hook that
will serve as a focus for the lessons activities?

While having students go to the white board to fill out a KWL

chart, I will ask probing questions about the periodic table (i.e.,
class, what do we already know about the periodic table? Does
anyone know who invented the periodic table?
Part II: IMPLEMENTATION
How will I find out what students already know about this topic?

Pre-assessment

Students will complete a diagnostic assessment, before the

lesson.
What will I do to show students what is expected?

Teacher Modeling or
Demonstration

I will model to students how to classify the first fifteen elements,

by demonstrating the differences between periods and groups,
showing students how to identify reactive metals and non-metals,
the alkali family, halogen family, and noble gas family, as well as
atomic number, atomic mass and electron configuration on the

board. (see attachment)

Guided Practice
Checking for Understanding

What will we do together as they learn how to succeed at the new task?

As a class, we will fill out the periodic table, elements 15-30.

What questions will you ask to determine if students understand so far? What techniques
or strategies will be used to determine if students understand so far?

I will ask students, verbally, if they understand the lesson and all
concepts I have taught. Students, then, will display a designated
hand signal to indicate their understanding of a specific concept,
principal, or process:
- I understand____________ and can explain it (e.g., thumbs up).
- I do not yet understand ____________ (e.g., thumbs down).
- Im not completely sure about ____________ (e.g., wave hand).
What will students do by themselves to show that they have internalized the knowledge?

Independent Practice
Closure

Students will complete elements 30-45, on their own. (What they

will not finish will be designated towards homework.
How will I conclude the lesson and relate it to future experiences? How will you wrap up the
lesson to reinforce concepts taught during the lesson?

As the closure, I will place key reflection or probing questions on

random seats throughout the room. When prompted, students will
check their seats and answer the questions. Students who do not
have a hot seat question are asked to agree or disagree with the
response and explain their thinking.
(see attachment)
What will students do to demonstrate what they have learned?

Assessment
(attach to lesson plan)
Extension Activities

Students will complete a summative assessment, at the end of

the lesson.
What can students do at home or in the classroom to apply the knowledge or skills? How
could you use your colleagues or community agencies to improve student performance?

Students can research or search for a few elements, at home,

around campus and in the community, and identify how we use
these elements in our daily lives. (i.e., Oxygen is used on a daily
basis to keep us alive)

How will you use technology to assist students with learning the concepts? What
technology will you use to enhance the delivery and comprehension of your content?

Technology

In class, students will use the SMART Board to classify the

elements, by number, groups, rows and families.
At homes, students can use computers, iPads, tablets, or cell
phones, to search for elements of interest.
How will you connect this lesson with other content areas across the curriculum?
The Arts:

Connection Across the

Curriculum

Students will color in the periodic table according to the nine

families - alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, noble
gases, metals, nonmetals, transitional metals, metalloids, rare
earth elements.
Health:

Students will identify elements of the periodic table that they can
or cannot digest or use for medical purposes. (i.e Ca) (Iron pills)
Physical Education:

Students will have to walk back and forth to and from the SMART
Board.
PART III: REFLECTION
Describe the strengths of your instructional techniques, strategies and classroom management.
Describe the strengths of student engagement.

Strengths
Describe the weaknesses of your instructional techniques, strategies and classroom management.
Describe the weaknesses of student engagement.

Weaknesses
Suggestions for
Improvement

What would you change when teaching this lesson again?

Revised 6-2013
THE CLAFLIN IMPERATIVE
PREPARING STDUENTS FOR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE IN A
MULTICULTURAL, GLOBAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Diagnostic Assessment

1. What is the first element in the periodic table?

a. Helium (He)
b. Hydrogen (H)
c. Lithium (Li)
d. Argon (Ar)
i. Hydrogen (H) is the first element in the periodic table. It
has only one electron and one proton. It is also the most
abundant element in the Universe. It is one of the main
elements of the Sun and the atmosphere of Jupiter. You
will find it in the upper left of the periodic table.
2. Elements in the periodic table are arranged by:
a. Atomic Number
b. Atomic Weight
c. Number of Neutrons
d. Chemical Reactivity
i. The elements in the periodic table are organized by
atomic number. Hydrogen (H) and helium (He) make up
the top row of the periodic table at numbers one and two,
respectively. The atomic number represents the number
of protons and electrons in a neutral atom. You may also
hear the term proton number used instead of atomic
number.
3. Which of these is a noble gas?
a. Chlorine (Cl)
b. Hydrogen (H
c. Neon (Ne)
d. Fluorine (F)
i. The far right column of the periodic table is the home of
the noble gases. Of the choices, only neon (Ne) is located
in that column. Noble gases are also known as inert
gases and generally have no color or odor. The family
includes helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr),
xenon (Xe) and radon (Ra).
4. Which scientist came up with the concept of a periodic table?

a.
b.
c.
d.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Jason Priestly
Dmitri Mendeleev
Antoine Lavoisier
Albert Einstein
i. Dmitri Mendeleev gets the credit for designing the modern
periodic table. Jason Priestly is an actor. Joseph Priestly
and Antoine Lavoisier were both chemists. Albert Einstein
developed theories about atomic particles.
Silicon (Si) and carbon (C) share some similar characteristics.
a. True
b. False
i. It is not as if silicon (Si) and carbon (C) are the same
element, but they do share characteristics. They both like
to make four bonds and they are both located in the same
column of the periodic table. Other elements in this
column are germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb), but
they are not as similar as carbon and silicon.
All of the following are in the same rows/periods of the periodic table
EXCEPT:
a. Beryllium(Be), Oxygen(O), Fluorine (F)
b. Hydrogen(H), Helium(He)
c. Sodium(Na),Carbon(C), Chlorine(Cl)
d. Lithium(Li), Boron(B), Neon(Ne)
i. This one was a little harder. You needed to remember
what elements were in which rows. The correct answer
was "Sodium (Na), Carbon(C), Chlorine(Cl)" because
carbon is in the second row while sodium and chlorine are
in the third row. As far as chemistry is concerned, that
means they have different numbers of atomic orbitals.
Sodium (Na) tries to fill up its third shell/orbital when it bonds.
a. True
b. False
i. Sodium (Na) wants to get rid of its electron. If you take a
close look at the shells/orbitals, you will see that sodium
has an extra electron sitting in the third orbital. When it
bonds and gets rid of that electron, it becomes a "Happy
Atom." In the classroom, you will often find sodium
bonded to chlorine (Cl) because it loves to receive an
extra electron.
Sulfur's (S) electron configuration is:
a. 2-16-16

b. 2-8-6
c. 1-6-15
d. 2-6-8
i. Sulfur (S) is the sixteenth element in the periodic table.
The atomic number tells you there are sixteen protons in
a sulfur atom. A neutral atom has the same number of
electrons and protons. That fact means sulfur has sixteen
electrons. Using the 2-8-8 rule... Sulfur would have a
setup of 2-8-6.
9. You will find metals on the far right column of the periodic table.
a. True
b. False
i. Noble gases are found on the far right of the periodic
table in group VIIIA. Halogens are in the second group
from the right. Metals of all types are found around the left
side of the periodic table. There may be earth, transition,
or alkaline earth metals across the table.
10.
Although the order of elements is based on atomic number,
vertical families share similar chemical properties.
a. True
b. False
i. Elements in the same groups, such as the halogens or
noble gases, often share similar chemical properties.
These properties might include relative atomic radius,
electronegativity, or ionization energy. All of the noble
gases are very nonreactive, while all of the halogens are
very reactive.

Summative Assessment

11.
a.
b.
c.
d.

About how many known elements are in the periodic table?

10
50
100
200
i. There are about 118 known elements in the periodic table.
As scientists continue to experiment with particle

12.
a.
b.

13.
a.
b.
c.
d.

14.
a.
b.

15.
a.
b.
c.
d.

accelerators and cyclotrons, they will be able to make

more elements. Many of the manmade elements in the
table only exist for a few milliseconds before they break
apart.
Oxygen (O) has a greater mass than chlorine (Cl).
True
False
i. Look at the periodic table. Oxygen (O) is above and to the
left of chlorine (Cl). That location shows that it is lighter
and has a lower atomic number. Oxygen has a mass of
about 16 amu and chlorine is about 35 amu. Generally,
the atomic mass of elements increases as you move to
the right and down the table. For example, elements such
as gold (Au) and silver (Ag) both have a greater atomic
mass than aluminum (Al).
Which of these things are NOT listed in the periodic table?
Element Name or Symbol
Atomic Weight
Atomic Orbital Radius
Atomic Number
i. You will not find information about the atomic radius of an
atom in the periodic table. The square for each element
will have the atomic number, atomic weight, name, and
symbol for each element.
The rows of the periodic table are called periods.
True
False
i. The rows of the periodic table are called periods. The
columns of the periodic table are called groups. Periods
are loosely organized by the number of atomic orbitals
found in each element. For example, hydrogen (H) in the
first row has only one orbital. Lithium (Li) in the second
row has electrons in two orbitals. Francium (Fr), in row
seven, has electrons in seven orbitals.
Which of these choices is NOT a family of elements?
Halogens
Alkali Metals
Noble Gases
All are Families of Elements
i. All of these choices are different types and families of
elements. Inert gases can be found on the far right of the

periodic table in group VIIIA. Halogens are just to the left

in VIIA. Metals make up the center and left side of the
table in a variety of groups.
16.
Which of these is NOT a gas found in the Earth's atmosphere?
a. Nitrogen (N)
b. Oxygen (O)
c. Gold (Au)
d. Argon (Ar)
i. Gold (Au) was the right answer. Gold is a metal that you
will usually find inside of the Earth. You will probably
never see gold as a gas. Nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and
argon (Ar) are all found in the atmosphere. Nitrogen is the
most common element found in our atmosphere.
17.
The atomic number of an element tells you the number of
_____ in a neutral atom.
a. Positrons
b. Neutrons
c. Electrons
d. None of the Above
i. The atomic number of an element tells you the number of
electrons and protons in a neutral atom. Ions are atoms of
an element with different numbers of electrons. Isotopes
are forms of an element with different numbers of
neutrons.
18.
The columns of the periodic table are called groups.
a. True
b. False
i. The columns of the periodic table are called groups. In
some cases, those columns represent families of
elements. For example, the first column (Group IA) is the
family of alkali metals with lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and
potassium (K). The rows of the periodic table are called
periods. At the end of every period is a noble gas in group
VIIIA.
19.
You might find boron (B) in the soap in your bathtub.
a. True
b. False
i. Boron (B) can be found in many soaps. Boron is often
found in the compound known as borax and refined for
other uses.

20.
Oxygen (O) usually tries to make two bonds with other atoms to
fill its outer shells.
a. True
b. False
i. Oxygen (O) atoms are often found with two bonds. Think
about water for a second. That oxygen atom bonded with
two hydrogens (H). In other compounds, you might find
two single bonds or one double bond. Even when oxygen
is found as a gas molecule, it holds a double bond with
another oxygen atom.

Diagnostic Assessment
1. What is the first element in the periodic table?
a. Helium (He)
b. Hydrogen (H)
c. Lithium (Li)
d. Argon (Ar)
2. Elements in the periodic table are arranged by:
a. Atomic Number
b. Atomic Weight
c. Number of Neutrons
d. Chemical Reactivity
3. Which of these is a noble gas?
a. Chlorine (Cl)
b. Hydrogen (H
c. Neon (Ne)
d. Fluorine (F)
4. Which scientist came up with the concept of a periodic table?
a. Jason Priestly
b. Dmitri Mendeleev
c. Antoine Lavoisier
d. Albert Einstein
5. Silicon (Si) and carbon (C) share some similar characteristics.
a. True
b. False
6. All of the following are in the same rows/periods of the periodic table
EXCEPT:
a. Beryllium(Be), Oxygen(O), Fluorine (F)
b. Hydrogen(H), Helium(He)
c. Sodium(Na),Carbon(C), Chlorine(Cl)
d. Lithium(Li), Boron(B), Neon(Ne)
7. Sodium (Na) tries to fill up its third shell/orbital when it bonds.
a. True
b. False
8. Sulfur's (S) electron configuration is:
a. 2-16-16
b. 2-8-6
c. 1-6-15
d. 2-6-8

9. You will find metals on the far right column of the periodic table.
a. True
b. False
10.
Although the order of elements is based on atomic number,
vertical families share similar chemical properties.
a. True
b. False
i. Elements in the same groups, such as the halogens or
noble gases, often share similar chemical properties.
These properties might include relative atomic radius,
electronegativity, or ionization energy. All of the noble
gases are very nonreactive, while all of the halogens are
very reactive.

Summative Assessment

11.

About how many known elements are in the periodic table?

a. 10
b. 50
c. 100
d. 200
12.
Oxygen (O) has a greater mass than chlorine (Cl).
a. True
b. False
13.
Which of these things are NOT listed in the periodic table?
a. Element Name or Symbol
b. Atomic Weight
c. Atomic Orbital Radius
d. Atomic Number
14.
The rows of the periodic table are called periods.
a. True
b. False
15.
Which of these choices is NOT a family of elements?
a. Halogens
b. Alkali Metals
c. Noble Gases
d. All are Families of Elements
16.
Which of these is NOT a gas found in the Earth's atmosphere?
a. Nitrogen (N)
b. Oxygen (O)
c. Gold (Au)
d. Argon (Ar)
17.
The atomic number of an element tells you the number of
_____ in a neutral atom.
a. Positrons
b. Neutrons
c. Electrons
d. None of the Above
18.
The columns of the periodic table are called groups.
a. True
b. False
19.
You might find boron (B) in the soap in your bathtub.
a. True
b. False
20.
Oxygen (O) usually tries to make two bonds with other atoms to
fill its outer shells.
a. True
b. False

Teacher Modeling Demonstration periods and groups, showing students how to

identify reactive metals and non-metals, the alkali family, halogen family, and noble gas
family, as well as atomic number, atomic mass and electron configuration on the board
Periods and Groups
Elements in the periodic table are arranged in periods (rows) and groups (columns).
Atomic number increases as you move across a row or period.

Periods
Rows of elements are called periods. The period number of an element signifies the
highest unexcited energy level for an electron in
that element. The number of elements in a period
increases as you move down the periodic table
because there are more sublevels per level as
the energy level of the atom increases.

Groups
Columns of elements help define element groups.
Elements within a group share several common
properties. Groups are elements have the same
outer electron arrangement. The outer electrons are
called valence electrons. Because they have the
same number of valence electrons, elements in a
group share similar chemical properties. The Roman numerals listed above each group
are the usual number of valence electrons. For example, a group VA element will have 5
valence electrons.

Atomic Symbols:
The atom of each element is made up of electrons, protons and neutrons. All atoms of
the same neutral element have the same number of protons and electrons but the
number of neutrons can differ. Atoms of the same element but different neutrons are
called isotopes. Because of these isotopes it becomes necessary to develop a notation
to distinguish one isotope from another - the atomic symbol. The atomic symbol has
three parts to it:
1. The symbol: the usual element symbol

2. The atomic number: equal to the number of protons (placed as a left subscript)
3. The mass number: equal to the number of protons and neutrons in the isotope
(placed as a left superscript)
Electron

Electrons are negatively charged particles that surround the atom's nucleus.
Electrons were discovered by J. J. Thomson in 1897.
Neutron

Neutrons are uncharged particles found within atomic nuclei. Neutrons were
discovered by James Chadwick in 1932.
Proton

Protons are positively charged particles found within atomic nuclei. Protons were
discovered by Ernest Rutherford in experiments conducted between the years
1911 and 1919.
Metals

Non-Metals
Chemical Properties

Usually have 1-3 electrons in their outer

Usually have 4-8 electrons in their outer

shell.

shell.

Lose their valence electrons easily.

Gain or share valence electrons easily.

Form oxides that are basic.

Form oxides that are acidic.

Are good reducing agents.

Are good oxidizing agents.

Have lower electronegativities.

Have higher electronegativities.

Physical Properties

Good electrical conductors and heat

Poor conductors of heat and electricity.

conductors.
Brittle - if a solid.
Malleable - can be beaten into thin sheets.
Nonductile.
Ductile - can be stretched into wire.
Do not possess metallic luster.
Possess metallic luster.
Transparent as a thin sheet.
Opaque as thin sheet.
Solid at room temperature (except Hg).

Solids, liquids or gases at room

temperature.

The Periodic table can be divided into nine families of elements each having similar
properties. The families include:
Alkali metals
The alkali metals, found in group 1 of the periodic table, are highly reactive metals that
do not occur freely in nature. These metals have only one electron in their outer shell.
Therefore, they are ready to lose that one electron in ionic bonding with other elements.
As with all metals, the alkali metals are malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of
heat and electricity. The alkali metals are softer than most other metals. (Ex. Li)
Alkaline metals
The alkaline earth elements are metallic elements found in the second group of the
periodic table. All alkaline earth elements have an oxidation number of +2, making them
very reactive. (Ex. Ca)
The Transition metals
The 38 elements in groups 3 through 12 of the periodic table are called "transition
metals." As with all metals, the transition elements are both ductile and malleable, and
conduct electricity and heat. Their valence electrons are present in more than one shell.
This is why they often exhibit several common oxidation states. (Ex. Ti)
Other metals
The "other metals" elements are located in groups 13, 14, and 15. While these elements
are ductile and malleable, they are not the same as the transition elements. These
elements, unlike the transition elements, do not exhibit variable oxidation states, and
their valence electrons are only present in their outer shell. All of these elements are

solid, have a relatively high density, and are opaque. They have oxidation numbers of
+3, 4, and -3. (Ex. Al)
Metalloids
Metalloids are the elements found between the boundaries that distinguishes metals
from non-metals. Metalloids have properties of both metals and non-metals. Some of
the metalloids, such as silicon and germanium, are semi-conductors. (Ex. Si)
Non-metals
Non-metals are the elements in groups 14-16 of the periodic table. Non-metals are not
able to conduct electricity or heat very well. As opposed to metals, non-metallic
elements are very brittle. The non-metals can be gases, such as oxygen and solids,
such as carbon. The non-metals have no metallic luster, and do not reflect light. They
have oxidation numbers of 4, -3, and -2. (Ex. C)
Halogens
The halogens are five non-metallic elements found in group 17 of the periodic table. All
halogens have 7 electrons in their outer shells, giving them an oxidation number of -1.
(Ex. Cl)
Noble gases
The noble gases are found in group 18 of the periodic table. These elements have an
oxidation number of 0. This prevents them from forming compounds readily. All noble
gases have 8 electrons in their outer shell, making them stable. (Ex. He)
Rare Earth
The 30 rare earth elements are composed of the lanthanide and actinide series. One
element of the lanthanide series and most of the elements in the actinide series are
synthetic, that is, human-made. All of the rare earth metals are found in group 3 of the
periodic table, and the 6th and 7th periods. (Ex. Tb)

Closure key reflection / probing questions

What is the atomic weight of He?
What is the atomic mass of H?
What is a group?
What is a period?

How many families represent the periodic table?

What are the names of the families that represent the periodic table? (3 students will get
this question and reply with 3 of the 9 families)
What is the charge of an electron?
What is the charge of a proton?
What is the charge of a neutron?
What are some physical properties of metals?
What are some physical properties of non-metals?
What are some chemical properties of metals?
What are some chemical properties of non-metals?
What is the atomic number of Ar?
What is the atomic number of Mg?