The product that I was lucky enough to get in the Magical Product Swap was the ‘Period Table Amazing Element Race Game‘.   You know about the television show the Amazing Race right?  If not, it’s a challenge where teammates race around the world finding and solving clues to get them to the next leg of the destination.  The winner of the individual challenge is the group that shows up first, the loser is the team that shows up last.

Kate has put a unique science twist on this game! First she pairs up groups of 2 or 3 and gives them an element to represent.  There are 8 teams. Each team is also given time to study their element on the periodic table, as well as take a periodic table with them on their adventure.

Note: this activity does require a bit of set-up BUT Kate has been super kind in giving you an extension bulletin board activity since you already have all the pieces cut out and ready!

The set-up includes cutting out the 80 clue cards, creating the team element neck pieces, and setting up the 80 clues in a large area that will allow for movement.

Okay, so the teams are chosen, they get their element assignment and a clue sheet and the race begins!
Kiddos each get a different starting spot and their challenge is to be the first team to find ALL of the clues that match their element.  Kate also included the scoring method she uses with her kiddos, but you could easily design your own scoring method.

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE part about this fun activity is that it is easily DIFFERENTIATED!  Some of the elements are much easier than the others.  You can skillfully designate which team gets what element and none of your students will know what you did!

And if that wasn’t enough…. Also included in the game pack is a Mystery Element Game!  This game totally reminded me of the game GUESS WHO?!  Anyone remember one?  That was one of my ALL-TIME favorite games growing up!  My sister absolutely HATED playing it with me… something about my math brain always figured the answer out within about 6 cards 🙂