The People Periodic Table: A Framework for Engaging Introductory Chemistry Students

Understanding the organizational framework and predictive powers of the periodic table is paramount in preparing students for success in chemistry. An interactive classroom activity was developed to engage students as they analyzed and evaluated the repeating trends in physical and chemical properti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2018-02, Vol.95 (2), p.281-285
Main Authors: Hoffman, Adam, Hennessy, Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemical elements
Chemical properties
Chemistry
Classroom communication
Cooperative learning
Educational activities
Feedback
Learner Engagement
Learning
Organic Chemistry
Periodic table
Periodic variations
Science activities
Science education
Student Participation
Students
Tables
Trends
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Summary:Understanding the organizational framework and predictive powers of the periodic table is paramount in preparing students for success in chemistry. An interactive classroom activity was developed to engage students as they analyzed and evaluated the repeating trends in physical and chemical properties of elements displayed on the periodic table. This activity transforms the class into a “representative” periodic table, with each student portraying a unique element as they analyze their relation to their elemental neighbors, evaluate statements regarding their periodic peers, and explore of the power of periodicity present within the periodic table. Prior to this activity, the students correctly answered just over 10% of the questions asking them to evaluate periodic trends, while after the activity the students correctly answered over 50% of the questions covering the same content. Student feedback was positive and highlighted the interactive and engaging qualities of the activity. The People Periodic Table activity is flexible enough to be used in nearly any introductory chemistry class to enhance student engagement and learning with respect to the periodic table’s organization, predictive powers, and trends.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00226