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The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

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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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