Ch 4: The Periodic Table of Elements - AP Chemistry: Homeschool Curriculum

Who's it for?

This unit of our AP Chemistry Homeschool course will benefit any student who is trying to learn about the significance of the arrangement of elements on the periodic table. There is no faster or easier way to learn about the periodic table of elements. Among those who would benefit are:

• Students who require an efficient, self-paced course of study to learn about the structure of the electron shell, groups and periods of elements, and patterns of shared characteristics among elements.
• Homeschool parents looking to spend less time preparing lessons and more time teaching.
• Homeschool parents who need a chemistry curriculum that appeals to multiple learning types (visual or auditory).
• Gifted students and students with learning differences.  

How it works:

• Students watch a short, fun video lesson that covers a specific unit topic.
• Students and parents can refer to the video transcripts to reinforce learning.
• Short quizzes and a periodic table of elements unit exam confirm understanding or identify any topics that require review.

The Periodic Table of Elements Unit Objectives:

• Discuss how elements are arranged into groups and periods and how elements in those classifications share some common physical properties.
• Describe the parts of the electron shell, including energy level, valence level, and valence electron.
• Identify the relationship between an element's place on the periodic table and its valence electrons and energy levels.
• Evaluate how atomic radii changes across periods and down groups on the periodic table of elements.
• Outline trends in ionization energy across periods and down groups on the periodic table.
• Discuss the relationship between electronegativity and an element's place on the periodic table.
• List additional characteristics, such as boiling point and metallic properties, that trend up or down depending on placement on the periodic table.
• Understand differences between transition metals and main group elements.