Virginia SOL PS.4.a
The Standard
symbols, atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical groups (families), and periods are identified on the periodic table
Virginia Standards of Learning for Science · The student will investigate and understand that the periodic table is a model used to organize elements based on their atomic structure. Key uses include
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students locate an element and read its symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass. They identify its group and period using the table’s rows and columns.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given an element name or symbol, students find the correct square and report each value accurately. They name the group and period without reversing them.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often confuse atomic number with atomic mass. They may call rows groups and columns periods. They may also ignore capitalization in symbols, such as writing CO instead of Co.
How to Assess It
- Give students a periodic table and ask: Find chlorine, then record its symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, group, and period.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs element cards to place on a blank periodic table, then have them label each card’s group and period.
Ask students to explain in writing how they would guide a classmate from hydrogen to calcium using groups and periods.
Play periodic table bingo using clues such as, “atomic number 12” or “period 3, group 17.”
Have students inspect food labels or product packages for element names, then locate each element and record its table information.
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Printable PS.4.a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to PS.4.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Related Standards
- 6.5.e
compounds may be represented by chemical formulas;
- PS.4
The student will investigate and understand that the periodic table is a model used to organize elements based on their atomic structure. Key uses include
- 6.5.c
elements may be represented by chemical symbols;
- PS.2.b
the periodic table can be used to predict the chemical and physical properties of matter; and
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