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Element Explorer An interactive periodic table: click any element to learn about it
About this activityChemistry and Physical Science · Grades 6–12

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Locate any element by name, symbol, or atomic number, and read its atomic number and atomic mass.
  • Relate an element's group and period to its valence electrons and outer electron shell.
  • Write and interpret electron configurations and shell diagrams.
  • Recognize families of elements (alkali metals, halogens, noble gases, and more) and trends across the table.

Standards alignment

  • HS-PS1-1 NGSS: Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
  • MS-PS1-1 NGSS (supports): Develop models to describe the atomic composition of substances.

Includes

All 118 elements with atomic mass, group and period, electron configuration, valence electrons, a shell diagram, and a fun fact; search; and color views by element type, state, valence electrons, and block; and a printable lab worksheet. A teacher answer key is available from Logical Home Schooling.

No sign-in and no ads. Nothing students type is sent anywhere; progress is saved only in their own browser.

Use the arrow keys to move between elements.