Information about how an elements position on the periodic table will communicate it's ability to bond and form compounds. A chart of valence electrons is included.

1. Atoms, Bonding and the
Periodic Table
Mr. Johnston, Saigon South International
School

2. Warm Up
Conduct flame tests on
various compounds with
a flame test. When an
alkali metal is placed in
a flame, it emits a
certain color. In this
activity, you will conduct
flame tests on various
compounds. Collect and
analyze your data here.

3. Homework Rap: 3-2-1

4. Key Questions
● Why do atoms combine with others
to form compounds?
● How does an element’s location on
the Periodic table tell us about it’s
valence electrons and ability to
bond?

5. Key Points
1. Valence Electrons of an atom are those
electrons that have the highest energy.
2. Valence Electrons are involved in chemical
bonding.
3. The number of Valence Electrons in an atom
determines the chemical properties of that
element.

6. Electron Dot Diagrams
● Elements have 1-8 valence
electrons in outer shell.
● Electron Dot Diagrams: Show
the # of Valence Electrons of an
element on the Periodic Table.
● Each “dot” is one valence
electron.

9. Bonding
● Atoms are more stable if they have 8 valence electrons. Example: Argon,
Krypton, and Neon (Noble Gases) are stable, and non-reactive. Helium is
stable with 2 electrons
● Atoms tend to form bonds so that they have 8 valence electrons and
become more stable, although Hydrogen needs only 2 to become stable.
● When atoms bond, they may transfer valence electrons from one to
another or they may be shared.

10. Activity #1
Bond the elements at your table with
one another so that they’re stable

11. Activity #2
Find your partner with whom you’re doing your “element” project. Reserach a
compound that your element makes up. Create an “electron dot diagram” that
shows how electrons are shared in this compound. Please note:
● Valence electrons.
● How many valence each element has by itself.
● A “picture” of your electron dot diagram after bonding.