How to Make a Foldable for a Periodic Table

Mastering chemistry isn't an easy feat. Fortunately, students can use a variety of helpful tools and resources to make learning chemistry easier. A foldable helps students by presenting important information in an organized, three-dimensional and interactive way. By creating their own foldable of the periodic table, students learn the organization and arrangement of the elements in a way that helps them better grasp the related concepts and ideas.

Instructions

1

Print out a blank periodic table on large white paper. Print the periodic table on the paper so that the paper is viewed with the long, 17-inch edges along the top and bottom and the 11-inch edges on the sides.

2

Fill in the periodic table using a pen. Use another, completed periodic table as a reference when entering information about the elements' abbreviation, atomic number and atomic weight.

3

Use colored pencils to color in the periodic table. Color code the major groups, such as Alkali Metals, Alkaline-earth Metals, Transition Metals and Lanthanides and Actinides.

4

Create two sheets that will attach to either side of your periodic table. Lay out the pages so that the 11-inch edge is on the sides. Add pertinent information such as atomic structure, bonding rules and other useful charts to these side sheets. For easy readability, color in these charts with colored pencils as well.

5

Laminate the two side sheets and the large periodic table sheet. Trim excess laminate from the sides of the sheets.

6

Put together the foldable by taping one side sheet to each side of the large sheet showing the periodic table. Each side sheet can then fold up and cover the periodic table, for easy transportation and keeping.