The periodic table is a helpful chart that sorts elements into three main groups: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Let’s break it down.

Metals:

• These are mostly found on the left side and in the middle of the periodic table.
• They are in groups 1-12 and some from groups 13-16.
• About 80% of all known elements are metals.
• Metals are good at conducting heat and electricity.
• They can be shaped easily (malleable) and stretched into wires (ductile).
• Metals usually have high melting and boiling points.

Nonmetals:

• Nonmetals are located on the right side of the periodic table.
• They fit into groups 14-18 but leave out the metals.
• Nonmetals make up about 18% of known elements.
• Unlike metals, nonmetals do not conduct heat and electricity well.
• When solid, they are often brittle, meaning they can break easily.
• Nonmetals usually have lower melting and boiling points than metals.

Metalloids:

• Metalloids are found along a zig-zag line that separates metals from nonmetals.
• There are 7 main metalloids: boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), and polonium (Po).
• Metalloids have traits of both metals and nonmetals, which makes them great for use in electronics as semiconductors.

By looking at these categories, students can learn more about how different elements behave and how we can use them in real life.