Chemistry Valentines Activity
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in your class with this fun chemistry valentines lesson! This is a fun activity to learn more about elements, the periodic table, and chemical bonding.
I know some of you may dread it, but ahhhh how I enjoy the drama of a junior high Valentine’s Day!
The awkward hugs, the lingering scent of Axe body sprays hanging in the air, standing uncomfortably close to students at the V-day dance to make sure they’re keeping it G-rated…
It’s all WAY better than the Bachelor (Clayton is the worst!!)!
Anyhow, I really like to add to the torture by forcing my students to make nerdy valentines. And so today I share my “Chemistry Valentines Activity” with you all!
I am providing the same lesson in 2 different formats today: one for high school chemistry and one for upper elementary or middle level science.
Lesson Description: Chemistry Valentines
Summary: Students will make valentines from element symbols and explore those elements in more detail!
For high school chemistry:
Learning Objective: Students will evaluate elements from the chemistry valentines for their ability to bond in real life.
Content Applications:
- Ionic and Covalent Bonding
- Periodic Trends
- Elemental Symbols
- Valence Electrons
- Lewis Dot Structures
- Nomenclature
For general science:
Learning Objective: Students will research and learn about 8 different elements from their valentines.
Content Applications:
- Atoms
- Elements
- Periodic Table
- Elemental Properties
- Real-Life Uses for Elements
Time Required: About 60 minutes.
Materials Needed:
- Colored Paper
- Markers/Colored Pencils
- Scissors
- AVERY 5428 Labels for element stickers
- Optional: Valentine Mailbox – I just covered a box with red paper and cut a slit in the top.
- Instructions Slides, Element Stickers, & Student Reflection Sheet – get these emailed to you for free by completing the form below!
How to Set up for Chemistry Valentines
1. Each student is randomly assigned to make a valentine for someone else in the class. Although it is random, I am also very intentional about who I assign to each students to avoid conflict.
2. Students create 3 valentines using elements from the periodic table. The first one goes to their assigned person, the other 2 can go to anyone of their choosing in the class.
3. Valentines are dropped into the mailbox and distributed.
4. Students complete the “reflection sheet” using the elements on the valentines they were given.
Lesson Resources
When you subscribe via the form, you will receive via email 3 files.
1. Element Stickers PDF (preview above)
2. Instructions Slides to guide you and your class through the activity.
3. Student Analysis & Reflection Sheets
About the Student Reflection Sheets
For chemistry, students will classify each element as either metal, nonmetal, or metalloid, and then draw Lewis Dot Structures to help them visualize the possibilities for bonding.
For general science, students will learn about their elements by exploring Element Fun Facts from Chem4Kids. I love the reading level and find it a much more engaging resource for chemistry than most!
Students record 3 things they learned about each element, and then choose their favorite to create a poster about. Students then share their posters with peers!
Simple and fun!
Example Chemistry Valentines
How was it?
I would LOVE to hear your feedback for this lesson! How did it go? What other fun Valentines science lessons have you tried in your classroom? Please share in the comments!
Just submit your email to get everything you need for this lesson for free!
