Given the nature of Boris’ situation, I think that he could try to consult his fellow colleagues and do some research online (or ask a librarian to help) to find self-directed review tools for his students learning the periodic table. Conducting a quick, preliminary internet search yielded some relevant results that Boris could use and/or adapt in his lessons. Boris could also create or use online webquests designed to test students’ abilities to review material on their own, and they can test their knowledge of what they’ve learned about the periodic table of elements. Additionally, Boris will need to determine whether this kind of informal formative assessment is sufficient or if he wants to grade his students’ work. Here are some links below that I’d recommend that Boris examine:
Nova’s “It’s Elemental” Interactive Periodic Table + Quiz
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/periodic-table.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/chemistry-elements.html
Testing students’ memorization of the elements of the Periodic Table (timed 15-minute assessment)
http://www.sporcle.com/games/elements.php
Periodic Table and the Elements
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/elem_intro.html
Elements Matching Quiz
http://education.jlab.org/elementmatching/matchingpage.html?hard
Periodic Table of Elements
A Resource for Elementary, Middle School, and High School Students
http://periodic.lanl.gov/index.shtml