Exploring Element Symbols
A Grade 3 science worksheet to introduce students to common element symbols and their names.
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Exploring Element Symbols
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Element symbols are like nicknames for elements!
Did you know that everything around us is made of tiny building blocks called elements? Each element has a special symbol, usually one or two letters, that helps scientists identify it quickly. Let's learn some common element symbols!
Match each element name to its correct symbol.
1. Hydrogen
a. O
2. Oxygen
b. C
3. Carbon
c. H
4. Helium
d. He
Complete the sentences with the correct element symbol.
1. The air we breathe contains a lot of (Oxygen).
2. Water is made of (Hydrogen) and Oxygen.
3. Diamonds are a form of pure (Carbon).
1. Which symbol stands for the element Nitrogen?
O
N
Na
Ni
2. What element does the symbol 'Fe' represent?
Fluorine
Iron
Fermium
Fire
1. Why do scientists use symbols for elements instead of writing out their full names every time?
Here is an example of an element box you might see on a Periodic Table. It shows the symbol, name, and atomic number of an element.
