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Play a Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt during a study of the Table of Elements. This science scavenger hunt is the perfect periodic table game to add to your lesson plans!

Whether you are teaching elementary, middle, or high school students – we have a periodic table scavenger hunt for you! With 3 levels of difficulty, this periodic table game includes nearly all of the elements.

Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt

Both students in classrooms and homeschool will enjoy completing this science scavenger hunt. It’s a hands-on activity that brings learning to life.

Instructions

1. Select an age-appropriate periodic table scavenger hunt.

There are 3 levels of difficulty to accommodate elementary, middle, and high school students.

2. Download and print the PDF files.

The PDF files for each age group are available at the end of this post.

3. Gather supplies.

Each participant will need a copy of the periodic table of elements scavenger hunt and a pen or pencil.

4. Find the elements.

Challenge students to find the elements in everyday life. Each element in the scavenger hunt is represented by its name and an icon. The icon represents an item that is made with the element.

5. Mark off the elements.

When a student finds an element, they place an X over that element’s name and icon.

6. Encourage creativity.

Encourage students to find items made with the elements, besides the icon on the scavenger hunt. The icon is an example and a starting point for the child.

7. Complete the periodic table game.

The game is over when time runs out, or all of the elements are marked.

Variations of the Game

Try a Periodic Table of Elements photo scavenger hunt to add a tech or creative facet to the game.

Note: The level 3 scavenger hunt does not include icons. Since these elements are less common in everyday life, students will complete the scavenger hunt online by researching each element.

3 Levels of Difficulty

Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt for Elementary School

For younger students who are just beginning to learn about the periodic table, the Level 1 Scavenger Hunt is a perfect introduction to the elements.

Students can find each item around the house or in a school. Here are a few examples of the element and coordinating icon:

• Copper | Cord with Plug
• Tungsten | Lightbulb
• Nickel | Coins
• Calcium | Chalk

Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt for Middle School

For middle school students, the Level 1 Scavenger Hunt would be appropriate as a refresher on the Periodic Table of Elements.

Then, use the Level 2 Scavenger Hunt to challenge middle school students. Completing the Level 2 Hunt will expand their knowledge of the elements in an engaging way.

Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt for High School

Finally, for high school students, the Level 3 Scavenger Hunt challenges older students. It is more difficult and requires research. Teens will enjoy the competitive challenges, while also learning (similar to activities such as trivia questions, board games, and escape rooms).

Unlike levels 1 and 2, the elements found in the Level 3 Scavenger Hunt are not as common or as accessible in everyday life (such as medical equipment).

Therefore, the Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt for High School does not have icons. Instead, students fill out a periodic table worksheet defining the following for each element:

• how the element is used and
• where the element is found.

Download the Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt PDF

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More Periodic Table Games

• Online Periodic Table Identification Game
• Periodic: Table of Elements Board Game
• Online Periodic Table Sorting Game
• Science Ninja: Elements and Chemistry Game