Name:
HANDS-ON LAB
Modeling Periodic Trends
RESEARCH QUESTION Recognizing patterns is an extremely important skill for scientists. How
might a chemist use patterns to understand phenomena?
MAKE A CLAIM
What patterns will help you determine if any paint chip cards are missing from the set? What
should you consider when determining which arrangement of paint chip cards is most beneficial to
customers?
PLAN THE INVESTIGATION
Obtain a set of alien cards from your teacher. Lay out all the cards. Make a list of all the potential
ways you can arrange your cards. For each arrangement, take notes on how the arrangement will
help you find any missing cards.
CARRY OUT THE INVESTIGATION
Choose the three arrangements you think will work best, and set your cards according to each
plan. Develop a data table to record any missing cards. Take a picture or make a sketch of each
arrangement before you set up the next one.
ANALYZE
Were cards missing from your set? How did you determine they were or were not missing? How
would you describe the missing cards to someone?
DRAW CONCLUSIONS
Write a conclusion that addresses each of the points below.
Claim What patterns helped you determine whether paint chip cards were missing? What should
you consider when determining which arrangement of paint chip cards is most beneficial for
customers?
Evidence Give specific examples from your data to support your claim.
Reasoning Explain how the evidence you gave supports your claim. Describe, in detail, the
connections between the evidence you cited and the argument you are making.