In the same fashion, the squares of the alkali metals from top to bottom are 2s 1 (Li), 3s 1 (Na), 4s 1(K), 5s 1 (Rb), 6s 1 (Cs), and 7s 1 (Fr). For example, Magnesium's (Mg) square is called by simply stating 3s 2 rather than the complete electron configuration of 1s 22s 22p 63s 2. The gameplay in Periodic Table Battleship is essentially the same however, the squares of the periodic table are identified by the last subshell notation in the electron configuration of the corresponding element. One way that students can discover these trends is through a game called Electron Configuration Battleship. It's possible to explain the trend using a diagram like that in figure 1 however, a deeper understanding may be possible when students discover it independently. In my experience, novice students struggle to see elements' valence electron configurationĀ trends across the rows and columns on the periodic table.
![blank periodic table blank periodic table](https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/z7PKgG8OLPG51UpBu3Q4RxYty9E=/768x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PeriodicTableall-58b5d9235f9b586046df995b.jpg)
Of particular interest is a knowledge of the arrangement of the outermost electrons, identified by an element's electron configuration, which is vital when predicting the products of chemical reactions, and the formation of bonds. In fact, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) reserves two of the eight performance expectations of the Chemistry division for the periodic table.
![blank periodic table blank periodic table](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dd/9b/e1/dd9be1be1c3deb67890da19d1d7d7088.jpg)
Chemical properties, bonding, and reactions are routinely explained using the trends and patterns of the periodic table. A proficient understanding of the periodic table is indispensable for students studying chemistry.