The Periodic Table
Describe the organisation of the periodic table into periods and groups, explain the contribution of Mendeleev, and use the table to identify metals, non-metals, and predict patterns in reactivity
Share and support
Teaching Table
Set out your lesson
“If your child was looking at a periodic table, could they explain why elements in the same column tend to behave similarly — and say what Mendeleev did that made it so useful to chemists?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. Describe the organisation of the periodic table into periods and groups, explain the contribution of Mendeleev, and use the table to identify metals, non-metals, and predict patterns in reactivity
What to notice. Explains why the periodic table is arranged into periods (rows) and groups (columns) • States that elements in the same group have similar chemical properties • Locates metals, non-metals, and metalloids in the periodic table • Explains how Mendeleev ordered elements by atomic weight and predicted missing elements
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
If your child was looking at a periodic table, could they explain why elements in the same column tend to behave similarly — and say what Mendeleev did that made it so useful to chemists?
Describe the organisation of the periodic table into periods and groups, explain the contribution of Mendeleev, and use the table to identify metals, non-metals, and predict patterns in reactivity
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
External links for extra practice. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
No additional resources are listed for this topic.
The teaching approach appears above.
Check understanding
- Explains why the periodic table is arranged into periods (rows) and groups (columns)
- States that elements in the same group have similar chemical properties
- Locates metals, non-metals, and metalloids in the periodic table
- Explains how Mendeleev ordered elements by atomic weight and predicted missing elements
“If your child was looking at a periodic table, could they explain why elements in the same column tend to behave similarly — and say what Mendeleev did that made it so useful to chemists?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards