Week of Oct. 18–24

CURRENT SCIENCE · PERIODIC TABLE

The periodic table is a map,
not a wall of boxes.

Learn how to read any element tile, spot family patterns, and calculate subatomic particles.

8OOxygen15.999

ELEMENT TILE DECODER

Four clues in every square

17ClChlorine35.45

Atomic number = 1717 protons; 17 electrons when neutral.
Symbol = ClFirst letter uppercase, second lowercase.
Name = ChlorineThe element’s full name.
Average atomic mass = 35.45Usually round to 35 for a basic neutron estimate.

TAP-TO-EXPLORE TABLE

Find patterns in real elements

This focused table includes the elements most often used in middle-school examples.

7NNitrogen14.007

Classification: nonmetal
Family: Other nonmetal
Period: 2
Neutral particles: 7 p⁺ · 7 e⁻ · about 7 n⁰

ATOM BUILDER

Calculate particles and charge

Protons / atomic number Mass number Charge

⚛️

Oxygen

8protons8neutrons8electrons

Neutrons = 16 − 8. Electrons = 8 − (0).

FAMILY REUNION

Columns predict behavior

Group 1 (except H)

Alkali metals

1 valence electron

Very reactive; soft metals; form +1 ions

Group 2

Alkaline earth metals

2 valence electrons

Reactive metals; form +2 ions

Groups 3–12

Transition metals

Varies

Good conductors; often multiple charges

Group 17

Halogens

7 valence electrons

Reactive nonmetals; form −1 ions

Group 18

Noble gases

Full outer shell

Very unreactive gases

TWO-WAY VOCABULARY

Recognize it from either direction

1/11

PERIODIC QUEST

Use the map to solve the mystery

⭐ 0/8

CLUE 1 OF 8