What you need:

• a copy of the periodic table of the elements
• square or rectangular plain biscuits
• fondant icing, with a different colour for each group of elements in the periodic table
• rolling pin, ruler, sharp knife, water, pastry brush
• writing icing

What to do:

1. Roll out the fondant icing to about 3 mm thick.
2. Measure the size of a biscuit and use the sharp knife to cut a piece of fondant slightly smaller than a biscuit.
3. Brush water onto the fondant shape and gently lay the top side of a biscuit onto the moist fondant.
4. Carefully turn over the biscuit and fondant.
5. Use the writing icing to write the letter “H” for hydrogen on the fondant. If there is enough room also write the number “1” above the “H”.
6. Repeat for the other elements in the periodic table, using a different colour of fondant for each group (column) of elements in the table.

Safety note: Take care when using the sharp knife. Be allergen aware.

Hint: 36 biscuits will be enough for the first three rows of the periodic table. Either decorate the biscuits in advance or invite guests to decorate their own. Be sure to take a photo of the biscuits laid out like the periodic table before eating them!

What words can you make with the biscuits? eg C Ho Co La Te

What’s happening?

The periodic table has the elements organised by increasing atomic number and the elements are grouped in columns with elements in each group having similar chemical properties.