Hydrogen, helium and lithium are all elements but the arrangement of the atoms in each is different
For example, in hydrogen, the atoms are joined in pairs called molecules but this is not the case for lithium or helium.
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Use this student worksheet to help learners think about the properties of hydrogen, helium and lithium at three different conceptual levels.
View and download more Johnstone's triangle worksheets
Learning objectives
- Match the name of the elements to a description of their use.
- Name the element based on the arrangement of its atoms.
- Identify the particle diagram that represents each element.
How to use Johnstone’s triangle
Use Johnstone’s triangle to develop learners’ thinking about scientific concepts at three different conceptual levels:
- Macroscopic: what we can see. Think about the properties you can observe, measure and record.
- Sub-microscopic: smaller than we can see. Think about the particle or atomic level.
- Symbolic: representations. Think about how we represent chemical ideas including symbols and diagrams.
For learners to gain a deeper awareness of a topic, they need to understand it at all three levels.
When introducing a topic, avoid introducing all three levels of thinking at once. This will overload working memory. Instead complete the triangle over a series of lessons, beginning with the macroscopic level and then introducing other levels, in turn, once secure.
The levels are interrelated, for example, learners need visual representation of the sub-microscopic in order to develop mental models of the particle or atomic level.
Further reading
Read more about how to use Johnstone’s triangle in your teaching with these articles:
- Develop deeper understanding with models
- Improve students’ understanding with Johnstone’s triangle
- Practical ideas for using Johnstone’s triangle
Norman Reid’s book The Johnstone triangle: the key to understanding chemistry provides a more in-depth overview, the first chapter is available to read online.
Scaffolding
Share the structure of the triangle with learners prior to use. Tell them why you are using it and how it will help them to develop their understanding. Use an ‘I try, we try, you try’ approach when introducing Johnstone’s triangle for the first time.
More resources
To further develop learner’s thinking in all areas of Johnstone’s triangle, try our Developing understanding of atoms molecules and elements worksheet. This includes icons in the margin referring to the conceptual level of thinking needed to answer the question.
Downloads
Hydrogen helium and lithium Johnstone's triangle student sheet
Handout | PDF, Size 0.25 mbHydrogen, helium and lithium Johnston's triangle teacher notes and answers
Handout | PDF, Size 0.26 mbHydrogen helium and lithium Johnstone's triangle student sheet
Editable handout | Word, Size 0.69 mbHydrogen, helium and lithium Johnstone's triangle teacher notes and answers
Editable handout | Word, Size 0.69 mb
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