Featured image: “electronic circuit board” by Creativity103 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
As seen previously, the periodic table is quite the amazing tool. One of its uses is in relation to creating electronic configurations.
This activity was designed for high school chemistry students who have already been introduced to electronic configurations, visualizations of atoms, and have an understanding of the periodic table. A background in quantum numbers (and their meaning) is strongly recommended. This activity can be done either individually or as a group. Students can also edit this online or respond on a different sheet of paper.
Students are instructed to write electron configurations and identify valence electrons for given species, some of which are ions or transition elements. Students are then asked:
- What species, if any, have completely filled valence shells? How do you know?
- How do electron configurations relate to their periodic group number?
- What do you notice about transition elements?
Finally, students are asked to relate electron configurations to previously learned material using a graphic organizer.
The goals of this activity are to:
- Practice writing electron configurations
- Relate electronic configurations to layout of the periodic table
- Place electronic configurations in a broader view of chemistry
- Practice critical thinking skills
The benefit of using Google Draw is a variety of activities can be done in one space. So students can immediately see how electron configurations relate to other material. Students can also use a variety of shapes and lines to edit the graphic organizer, creating a a visual representation of critical thinking. This feature can also be useful as an aid for explaining student reasoning. A variety of fonts are available for student responses, allowing for greater customization as well.
Click HERE to view the Google Draw as well.
Hi Emma! This is such an awesome Google Draw. It is very complex and has lots of details but is also very clear and easy to read! Although I don’t understand much of chemistry it was really cool to see how you created such a detailed activity to help students learn different concepts.
A very thoughtful application of Google Draw. You demonstrate that Draw allows you to create a space that both share content and invites student input.
I agree with Marissa that you present some complex material very clearly **blinks and pretends he understood it all**
You note: “As seen previously, the periodic table is quite the amazing tool.” You should turn that into a hyperlink back to your previous post – which is another great periodic table lesson.
Dr. Pappas,
I took your great advice on making a hyperlink back to my previous post. Hopefully, you can now click on “As seen previously” and be directed to my other lesson on the periodic table.