Transition Element Flashcards – Chemistry Symbol and Name Matching Set

Transition & Inner‑Transition Elements Flashcards – Chemistry Symbol and Name Matching Set

Holiday Theme: Christmas

This is a printable flashcard set I’ve used in chemistry classes, mostly with upper secondary students. The cards focus on the transition and inner transition elements. So we’re talking about the d-block and f-block – the ones students often find harder to remember, especially when they all start sounding similar.

I usually bring this out in December when we’re still covering content but everyone’s a bit tired and ready for a change of pace. The cards have either the element’s name or its symbol. Students have to match the two, and they can do that in pairs or small groups. It works like a memory game or just a straight matching activity, depending on how much time we have.

Some years I use the cards just for review, other times we build sorting activities around them. Like dividing the metals into transition, lanthanides and actinides. It depends on the group.

Advanced students sometimes add a use or a property for each element as they go, which makes it more of a challenge.

There are a lot of cards – over 250 – but I don’t always use them all. You can just print the ones you need. I usually go with thicker paper or cardstock, and if I have time, I laminate them so they last. Once cut, I keep them in envelopes and reuse them next year.

The design has a winter look – nothing too bright or distracting, just something that makes it feel a bit more seasonal without being silly. I’ve found it helpful for lessons when you still want students to work with real content, but in a way that feels relaxed. Especially useful before the holidays or at the end of a topic on metals.

Everything’s in the file – all cards and a short page with tips. It’s been a helpful tool in my December lessons.

📍 Happy teaching,

Heike from Lernfitness

Did You Know?

I teach with a certified therapy dog, and together we create a positive and welcoming learning environment. 🐶