Metalloids
Sometimes acting as metals and sometimes as nonmetals, the metalloids may be the strangest and most useful group of elements on the periodic table. Segments in this program include Exploring Metalloids (properties of the metalloids); Boron: Pyrotech...
The lanthanide series
Formerly called rare-earth elements, the lanthanides are neither rare in abundance nor, strictly speaking, are they "earth." Segments in this program include Exploring the Lanthanide Series (properties of the lanthanides); Lanthanum: Movie Magic (ho...
The halogens
The halogens is the only group that contains elements representing all three familiar states of matter at standard temperature and pressure. Segments in this program include Exploring the Halogens (properties of the halogens); Fluorine: The Painless...
The actinide series
Most elements in the actinide series were created artificially; only thorium and uranium are found in nature. Segments in this program include "Exploring the Actinide Series" (properties of the actinides); "Uranium: Stealth Boomer" (the use of urani...
Transition metals
Transition metals are the largest group of elements on the periodic table. Segments in this program include Exploring Transition Metals (properties of the transition metals); Manganese: Strengthening Steel (why manganese is so useful in making steel...
Alkaline earth metals
Almost as unstable as alkali metals, soft and silvery alkaline earth metals react easily with water. Segments in this program include Exploring Alkaline Earth Metals (properties of the alkaline earth metals); Calcium: Building Bones (the relationshi...
Alkali metals
Much less dense than most other metals, alkali metals are also extremely chemically reactive. Segments in this program include Exploring Alkali Metals (properties of the alkali metals); Lithium: Aircraft Alloys (why lithium is an ideal partner for a...
Other metals
The group known as "other metals" contains some of the most widely used elements in the world. Segments in this program include Exploring Other Metals (properties of the other metals); Aluminum: Providing Power (the many uses of aluminum, the most a...
Nonmetals
Only 18 elements are generally considered nonmetals, yet nonmetals make up the bulk of the crust, atmosphere, and oceans of the Earth. Segments in this program include Exploring Nonmetals (properties of the nonmetals); Hydrogen: Fuel of the Future (...
The noble gases
The noble gases, like the noble metals, are characterized by low reactivity. Segments in this program include Exploring the Noble Gases (properties of the noble gases); Helium: Rocket Fuel (helium's part in powering the space shuttle); Neon: Fabulou...