This exercise is a low-tech, but elegant simulation that ultimately enables students to discover the trends that exist in the characteristic properties of elements that led to the organization of the periodic table. This type of exercise has been done in a variety of ways over the years; it is a key component of most middle school science classes. This version is an attempt to change the delivery of that lesson in a way that leads to multiple insights regarding the study of science and how to interact productively in groups, along with the basic introduction to the elements.

Its key strategy is to avoid any mention of the periodic table at all, and simply offer data cards to find and organize. The instructions on this site encourage this exercise to take place over the course of weeks, with two separate data-gathering phases and several review periods prior to the ultimate ‘analysis’ sessions. You may adapt the materials to your particular needs freely. Please read the posts from other users and post your own innovations on our discussion forum.

The site license is $19.95 and you may pilot the exercise prior to purchasing the license.