Objective

By the end of this lesson, Jacob will understand what the periodic table is, learn about different elements, and recognize which elements are safe and which are not. He will also be able to explain the difference between matter, materials, and substances in a fun and engaging way.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and crayons for drawing
• Printed images of different elements (like gold, oxygen, and sodium)
• Simple definitions of matter, materials, and substances
• A timer (to keep activities fun and engaging)

Before the lesson, make sure to review the periodic table and gather images of the elements that will be discussed. Prepare simple definitions that Jacob can understand.

Activities

• Element Drawing:

  Jacob will choose his favorite element from the periodic table and draw a picture of it. He can add fun facts about the element around the drawing, like whether it’s a gas, liquid, or solid!

• Element Match-Up Game:

  Using the printed images of elements, Jacob will play a matching game. He will match elements to their states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and explain why he thinks they belong together.

• What’s Safe to Eat?:

  Jacob will list elements that are safe to eat and those that are not. We will discuss what happens if you eat something that isn’t food, using fun examples to keep it light-hearted.

Talking Points

• "The periodic table is like a big chart that shows all the different building blocks of everything around us!"
• "Matter is anything that takes up space and has weight. Can you think of something that is matter?"
• "Materials are made of matter. For example, the chair you sit on is made of material!"
• "Substances are a type of matter. Water is a substance, but so is gold!"
• "Some elements are safe to eat, like oxygen and carbon, but others, like mercury, are not safe at all!"
• "If you eat something that isn’t food, it can make you feel very sick. That’s why we have to be careful!"