C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual

The Periodic Table

Describe the organisation of the periodic table into periods and groups, explain the contribution of Mendeleev, and use the table to identify metals, non-metals, and predict patterns in reactivity

Suggested ages 11–12

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Evidence of understanding

  • Explains why the periodic table is arranged into periods (rows) and groups (columns)
  • States that elements in the same group have similar chemical properties
  • Locates metals, non-metals, and metalloids in the periodic table
  • Explains how Mendeleev ordered elements by atomic weight and predicted missing elements

Assessment prompt

If The Periodic Table was looking at a periodic table, could they explain why elements in the same column tend to behave similarly — and say what Mendeleev did that made it so useful to chemists?

Standards alignment

MS-PS1-1US · ngss-ms

MS-PS1-1

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School

KS3.Sci.Chem.AEC.7GB · uk-nc-2013

Periodic Table: Periods and Groups

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3

KS3.Sci.Chem.PT.2GB · uk-nc-2013

Principles of Mendeleev's Periodic Table

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3

KS3.Sci.Chem.PT.3GB · uk-nc-2013

Periodic Table Structure

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3