Find the element symbol in the table
Read the atomic number
Read the atomic mass
Check the element name
Identify the group number
Identify the period number
Use the group to find similar chemical properties
Use the period to find the number of electron shells
Check whether the element is a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid
Locate the element’s position in the table
Use the position to infer valence electrons for main-group elements
Compare nearby elements for trends in reactivity, size, and electronegativity