The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Elements Scavenger Hunt”

In this activity, students will conduct a scavenger hunt to locate items that use elements found on the periodic table.

Create your own version of the periodic table of elements with icons or mini-images on the element chart to represent materials comprised of that element. Then create a description of your picture explaining how the element might be used and where it might be found. For elements that do not have uses, create a representation that best fits the description of the element.  

• Create a blank digital version of the periodic table of elements.
• Conduct a virtual scavenger hunt to find objects, materials, or uses for each element.
• Include icons to represent the objects, materials, or uses discovered.
• Create a key to explain each icon that describes the elements on your periodic table.
• Include a written description in your key detailing how each element can be found.
• Draw comparisons between Sam Kean’s description of the elements and your own depiction.

Share your periodic table of elements with peers and compare your representation of how elements are used to the representations of others.