Periodic Table: Nonmetals, Metals, and Metalloids

Investigation of the elements is crucial to understand the nature of matter. Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev understood this fact as he designed the standard for classification based on comparing properties of chemical elements. Mendeleev was so successful in his work that he was able to predict properties of unknown elements through similarities to the properties of known elements!   Students can follow in the footsteps of Dmitri Mendeleev and perform experiments that reveal the nature of the elements around us. Observational data of the physical properties of samples will be recorded including factors like color, luster, texture, and malleability. Chemical properties of the samples will be tested with hydrochloric acid. Along the way students will gain a better understanding of the Periodic Table and its organization based on the comparison of elements.