Click any element to learn about it · 118 elements · Grades 5–8
The periodic table is a chart that organizes all known chemical elements by their atomic number, electron configuration, and chemical properties. Created by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869, it arranges elements into rows called periods and columns called groups. Elements in the same group share similar properties, which helps scientists predict how they will behave in chemical reactions.
There are currently 118 confirmed elements. The lightest is hydrogen with an atomic number of 1, and the heaviest confirmed elements are oganesson at atomic number 118. Elements are classified into metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Metals like iron, copper, and gold are shiny, conduct electricity, and can be shaped. Nonmetals like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon have varied properties. Metalloids like silicon have properties between metals and nonmetals.
Every element has a one- or two-letter symbol. For example, O stands for oxygen, Fe stands for iron (from the Latin word ferrum), and Au stands for gold (from the Latin aurum). Each element also has an atomic mass, which is the average mass of its atoms.
This interactive periodic table lets kids click on any element to learn its name, symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, and interesting facts. It is color-coded by element category so students can quickly see which elements are metals, nonmetals, noble gases, and more. A great reference tool for science class in grades 5 through 8.
Last reviewed: April 2026