Thanksgiving Science Worksheet (Fun With The Periodic Table)

This Thanksgiving science worksheet is a fun way to bring learning into the holiday season by blending festive themes with basic chemistry concepts.

Kids can enjoy this free Thanksgiving printable activity by using the periodic table to decode autumn-themed words, adding a twist of discovery to the celebration.

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What is the Thanksgiving science worksheet?

The Thanksgiving science worksheet is a free printable, perfect for science teachers and parents looking to add an educational twist to holiday activities.

This resource features a list of Thanksgiving-themed words encoded by atomic numbers, encouraging kids to use the periodic table to decode terms like “pie,” “candy,” and “corn.”

By matching each atomic number to its element symbol, children reveal each word, combining holiday fun with an introduction to chemistry basics.

You can find this printable at the bottom of the post, ready to bring a seasonal touch to science learning.

Best age group for the fall science printable

This activity works well for elementary to middle school students, roughly ages 8-13.

Younger kids get an introduction to the periodic table by matching symbols and numbers.

Middle schoolers can reinforce their understanding of atomic symbols through practical decoding. Older students might also enjoy it as a quick, fun refresher.

Educational benefits

This worksheet helps children learn basic chemistry, focusing on the symbols and atomic numbers of elements. By working with the periodic table, kids become more familiar with its layout and start understanding scientific symbols and terminology.

The activity involves matching numbers to symbols, which strengthens logical reasoning, problem-solving, and memory skills as they decode each word.

Each word relates to Thanksgiving or fall, expanding vocabulary with seasonal terms like “lantern” and “amber,” and reinforcing their meanings in different contexts.

Working with atomic numbers and symbols also encourages attention to detail. Kids learn to precisely match each number to its element, a skill that benefits both scientific and everyday tasks.

Tips for making the most of the Thanksgiving science worksheet

If children are new to the periodic table, start with a quick introduction. Explain how it’s organized by atomic numbers and symbols for each element.

For younger learners, let them color in the periodic table. Highlighting atomic numbers that match Thanksgiving words can make spotting and matching symbols more fun.

In a classroom or group, try a team-based game. Assign each team a word to decode, and the first team to solve it wins a small prize. This encourages teamwork and adds a bit of friendly competition.

After decoding, discuss the properties or uses of a few elements from the answers. Talking about elements like Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), or Oxygen (O) can deepen their understanding.

More educational Thanksgiving fun

For even more holiday learning, try these Thanksgiving-themed activities that blend education with festive fun:

• History of Thanksgiving coloring pages: Teach kids about Thanksgiving’s origins with coloring pages that feature the Mayflower, Pilgrims, and Native Americans, blending history with art.
• Thanksgiving word search: This word search boosts vocabulary with Thanksgiving-themed words like “harvest” and “thankful,” helping kids practice spelling while having festive fun.
• Thanksgiving Mad Libs: Kids can learn about parts of speech with Thanksgiving Mad Libs, filling in blanks to create hilarious holiday-themed stories.
• Thanksgiving word scramble: Unscramble words like “turkey” and “pumpkin” in this word unscramble, which strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Thanksgiving trivia printable: Test Thanksgiving knowledge with a trivia quiz that includes questions on history, traditions, and fun holiday facts, perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!

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