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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 25
(2020) pp 82-87
The Periodic Table as a Word Search (Word Find) Puzzle
Kellie M. Brosius*, Mary Grace I. Galinato, Alan J. Jircitano
School of Science – Chemistry, Penn State Behrend, Erie, Pennsylvania, 16563, kmb158@psu.edu
Received December 9, 2019. Accepted February 19, 2020.
Published: 26 April 2020
Abstract. The
Periodic Table contains many symbols and names that students have to learn.
While there are several methods of learning this chart such as rote
memorization, game format, and reciting the ‘Periodic Table song(s)’, the work
presented here is a new approach. Here, students use the modern Periodic Table
as a Word Search puzzle to encourage them to become more familiar with the
elements, names, symbols, and their placement in the Periodic Table, all while
potentially learning new words. Since over 150 years has passed since the
creation of the Periodic Table and the completion of the Transcontinental
Railroad that combined the United States, this activity could also be used in
an English class to learn new words and their meanings - a unification of
language and science. Further, words in other languages can be found too, where
other countries or English speaking students taking a language could also work
on this activity.
Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; General Chemistry; Periodic Table; Elements; Integrative Learning; Word Find; Word definitions; Activity
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: kmb158@psu.edu)
Article in PDF format (276 KB) HTML format
Supporting Materials:
This supporting information contains a Periodic Table Used in a Word Search Puzzle, Sample Puzzle Sheet, Top Ten Words in Puzzle, Next 11-38 Words in Puzzle. (135 KB)
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