Periodic Table Trends Game Design
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a game that effectively teaches and demonstrates the periodic table trends (electronegativity, ionization energy, atomic radius, and metallic character) based on their underlying atomic structure reasons?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do electronegativity, ionization energy, atomic radius, and metallic character change across periods and down groups in the periodic table?
- What are the underlying atomic structure reasons for these trends?
- How can a game effectively teach these trends?
- What game mechanics best represent periodic trends?
- How can the periodic table trends be quantified and integrated into the game?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand periodic table trends (electronegativity, ionization energy, atomic radius, and metallic character).
- Explain the underlying atomic structure reasons for periodic trends.
- Design a game that effectively teaches periodic trends.
- Apply game mechanics to represent periodic trends.
- Quantify and integrate periodic trends into a game.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Element Challenge
Students receive a coded message describing an unknown element and its properties, challenging them to decode it using their knowledge of periodic trends. This sparks curiosity and sets the stage for designing a game that reinforces these concepts.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Trend Tracker Challenge: Atomic Radius Edition
Students start by focusing on one periodic trend: atomic radius. They will research and create a visual model demonstrating how atomic radius changes across a period and down a group. This lays the groundwork for understanding how trends can be represented visually and interactively.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual model (diagram/infographic) with a written explanation of atomic radius trends.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: 'Understand periodic table trends (atomic radius)' and 'Explain the underlying atomic structure reasons for periodic trends.'Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioTrend Tracker Challenge: Atomic Radius Edition Rubric
Visual Representation of Atomic Radius Trends
Effectiveness of the diagram or infographic in illustrating how atomic radius changes across a period and down a group.Accuracy of Trend Representation
How accurately the visual model depicts the increasing or decreasing atomic radius across periods and down groups.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe visual model accurately and clearly illustrates the trends in atomic radius across periods and down groups, using precise and informative visual cues. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the trends.
Proficient
3 PointsThe visual model accurately illustrates the trends in atomic radius across periods and down groups, using appropriate visual cues. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the trends.
Developing
2 PointsThe visual model shows an attempt to illustrate the trends in atomic radius, but may contain some inaccuracies or lack clarity. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the trends.
Beginning
1 PointsThe visual model does not accurately illustrate the trends in atomic radius, and/or lacks clear visual cues. Demonstrates a minimal understanding of the trends.
Clarity and Organization
How clear, organized, and easy to understand the visual model is.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe visual model is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and easy to understand. Visual cues are used effectively to guide the viewer's understanding. Demonstrates attention to detail and visual communication principles.
Proficient
3 PointsThe visual model is clear, well-organized, and easy to understand. Visual cues are used effectively. Demonstrates good visual communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe visual model is somewhat clear and organized, but could be improved for better understanding. Some visual cues are present, but may not be fully effective.
Beginning
1 PointsThe visual model is unclear, disorganized, and difficult to understand. Lacks effective visual cues. Needs significant improvement in visual communication.
Explanation of Atomic Radius Trends
Quality and depth of the written explanation of the underlying reasons for the observed trends in atomic radius.Accuracy of Explanation
How accurately the explanation describes the underlying atomic structure reasons for the observed trends in atomic radius (number of electron shells and effective nuclear charge).
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation accurately and comprehensively describes the underlying atomic structure reasons for the trends in atomic radius, linking it to both the number of electron shells and effective nuclear charge with insightful detail. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of atomic structure and its impact on periodic trends.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation accurately describes the underlying atomic structure reasons for the trends in atomic radius, linking it to the number of electron shells and effective nuclear charge. Demonstrates a thorough understanding.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation attempts to describe the underlying atomic structure reasons for the trends in atomic radius, but may contain some inaccuracies or omissions. Demonstrates a basic understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation does not accurately describe the underlying atomic structure reasons for the trends in atomic radius, and/or lacks a clear connection to electron shells and effective nuclear charge. Demonstrates a minimal understanding.
Clarity and Coherence
How clearly and coherently the explanation is written, including the use of scientific vocabulary.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation is exceptionally clear, coherent, and concise, using appropriate scientific vocabulary effectively. Demonstrates excellent scientific writing skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation is clear, coherent, and uses appropriate scientific vocabulary. Demonstrates good scientific writing skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation is somewhat clear and coherent, but could be improved with better organization and vocabulary. Demonstrates basic scientific writing skills.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation is unclear, incoherent, and lacks appropriate scientific vocabulary. Needs significant improvement in scientific writing.