Name(s):_____________________________________________ Class: __________________________ Date:_____________________
The Periodic Table of Halloween Candy
In the 1800’s scientists had all of the elements, and had to consider the
characteristics of the elements so that they could organize them in a way
that made sense. To help you understand the process those scientists
went through, you and a partner are going to be creating your own system
of organization, using CANDY!
Materials: List of various candies, lab worksheet, organizing grid
Part One: A Two-Family System, Chocolate vs. Non-Chocolate with Alphabetical Periods
~Each COLUMN represents a GROUP or FAMILY and each ROW represents a PERIOD
~First you will separate your candies into two groups: CHOCOLATE and NON-CHOCOLATE. Place all of the chocolate candies in
column one and the non-chocolate candies in column two. Put one “element” per square on your organizing grid.
~Now that the columns are organized, you must create a pattern in the rows. Organize the rows alphabetically. You must leave all of
the chocolate elements in column one and all of the non-chocolate elements in column two. Rearrange the elements in each column
and make sure they are alphabetical across the row. See below example:
Chocolate
Non-chocolate
Left blank because no element “fits” here
Dots
Kit-Kat
Necco-Wafers
You may not be able to do this PERFECTLY, but when you get them as organized as you can, fill in the table below with your candy.
1-Chocolate Group
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
2-Non-Chocolate Group
Part Two: A Two-Family System, Individually Wrapped vs. Not Individually Wrapped with Calorie-Organized Families
~Each COLUMN represents a GROUP or FAMILY and each ROW represents a PERIOD
~First you will separate your candies into two groups: INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED and NOT INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED. Place all of
the individually-wrapped candies in column one and the loose/multiple items per pack candies in column two. Put one “element” per
square on your organizing grid.
~This time the rows (periods) will be organized by CALORIES. As you move from left to right across a row, the number of calories in
an element should INCREASE. The nutritional values of the candies is on the board for you to refer to.
~Once you have this as organized as possible, write the name of the element and the calorie content in the chart below.
1-Individually Wrapped
2-Not Individually Wrapped
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Part Three: Developing your own classification system.
Brainstorm at least 10 new characteristics that you could use to organize the candy, using the circle map below:
Candy
Now you will organize a Periodic Table of Candy any way that you choose.
~It can have as many columns (groups or families) as you would like, as long as the members of each group share characteristics/show
a trend. Use a ruler to mark off the columns and rows.
~It can have as many rows (periods) as you would like, as long as the members of each period share characteristics/show a trend
~You may have to try several different scenarios. You may have to rearrange your original plan. This is ok because this is what
SCIENTISTS DO!!
~Use the space below to draw your periodic table. Refer to the RUBRIC below to create your table.
Your Periodic Table Must Include:
All “elements” (candies) are included
A symbol for each element (1 or 2 letter symbol, chosen by
An atomic number for each “element” (Chosen by you)
An atomic mass for each “element” (Chosen by you)
The atomic number and atomic mass in the correct order
Your Check-Off
Teacher Check-Off
Analysis and Discussion Questions:
1. In the space below, describe each column (group or family) and what characteristics the members of that family share:
2. In the space below, describe each row (period) and what characteristics the members of that period share:
3. Write a brief summary of how you decided to organize your periodic table. Include any challenges you faced, any other ways you
tried to organize the elements and failed, and why you chose the organizational method you ended up with:
4. Who were the scientists who made the periodic table?
5. What did you learn about the process of creating a classification system/organizational system when creating your periodic table?
Use the grid below to help you organize your candies. Do not write on the grid, simply place your candies on
top of the boxes and move them around as you attempt to create your classification system.
1
A
B
C
D
E
f
G
H
I
J
2
3
4
5