What are element symbols?

Element symbols are 1-2 letter abbreviations for each element. For example, H is Hydrogen, O is Oxygen, and Au is Gold (from the Latin word Aurum).

What is an atomic number?

An atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. Hydrogen has atomic number 1, Carbon has 6, and Oxygen has 8.

What are the groups of elements?

Elements are grouped by their properties: Metals (like Gold and Iron), Non-metals (like Oxygen and Carbon), Noble Gases (like Helium and Neon), Alkali Metals, and Halogens.

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Science Worksheet • Grades 3–5

The Periodic Table of Elements

Q: What is the periodic table?

The periodic table is a chart that organizes all known chemical elements by their atomic number, electron configuration, and chemical properties. It was created by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869.

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Element Explorer

Click any element to learn about it!

The periodic table organises all known chemical elements. Each tile shows the atomic number (top left), symbol (large letters), name, and atomic mass (bottom). Click any element below to read its fun facts!

Alkali Metals

Alkaline Earth

Transition Metals

Post-transition

Metalloids

Non-metals

Halogens

Noble Gases

🔍 Click any element above to discover its facts!

Fill in the Symbol

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Write the correct element symbol in each blank. Remember: symbols are 1 or 2 letters, with the first letter ALWAYS capitalised!

Match the Element

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Draw a line from each element name on the left to its correct symbol on the right by clicking both. Click a name, then click its symbol!

Sort into Groups

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Drag each element from the word bank into its correct group box below!

Word Bank — drag elements into a group above:

True or False?

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Read each statement carefully. Click True or False for each one!

Element Crossword

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Use the clues to fill in the crossword with element names or science words!

→ ACROSS

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Complete all sections to earn your grade!

The Periodic Table of Elements for Kids

The periodic table of elements is one of the most important tools in all of science. It organises every known chemical element into a structured chart that reveals patterns in their properties. Understanding the periodic table is a key milestone in elementary and middle school science education, especially for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.

What is the Periodic Table?

The periodic table was created by the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869. He arranged the 63 elements known at the time in order of increasing atomic weight, and noticed that elements with similar properties appeared at regular intervals — which is why it is called the periodic table. Today, the periodic table contains 118 confirmed elements.

What are Elements?

A chemical element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom. Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical reactions. Everything in the universe is made from combinations of elements! Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making up about 75% of all normal matter. Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is essential for all animal life.

What are Atomic Numbers?

Every element has a unique atomic number — the number of protons in the nucleus of one atom of that element. Hydrogen has atomic number 1 (one proton), Helium has 2, Carbon has 6, and Oxygen has 8. The atomic number determines the identity of the element: change the number of protons, and you have a completely different element!

Element Symbols

Each element has a 1–2 letter symbol that scientists worldwide use as a universal shorthand. Most symbols match the English name (H for Hydrogen, O for Oxygen, N for Nitrogen), but some come from Latin or other languages. Gold's symbol is Au (from Aurum), Iron's is Fe (from Ferrum), and Sodium's is Na (from Natrium).

Groups and Periods

Elements are arranged in 18 vertical columns called groups and 7 horizontal rows called periods. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties. Group 1 elements are Alkali Metals (like Lithium and Sodium) — they are very reactive and soft. Group 18 elements are Noble Gases (like Helium and Neon) — they are almost completely unreactive.

Why Learn the Periodic Table?

The periodic table is the foundation of chemistry and much of modern science. Understanding it helps students make sense of how matter behaves, why some materials burn and others don't, how batteries work, why some foods contain minerals our bodies need, and countless other everyday phenomena. Even a basic understanding of the first 20 elements provides an excellent foundation for future science learning!

This free interactive periodic table worksheet is designed for grades 3–5 and covers element symbols, atomic numbers, element groups, and key facts through six engaging activities: an interactive element explorer, fill-in-the-symbol exercises, symbol matching, group sorting, true-or-false questions, and a mini crossword puzzle.