Craft a table-like representation of elements using photographs
A unique and engaging activity for students is the Photographic Periodic Table, which encourages learners to connect theoretical knowledge with real-life examples by associating each chemical element with relevant images or objects. This approach, developed in collaboration with the New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators, has proven effective in helping students contextualize and memorize chemical elements.
Key Features of Photographic Periodic Table Activities
The Photographic Periodic Table activity offers various ways for students to explore and understand chemical elements. Here are some examples:
First 20 Elements Visualization
In this activity, students create a chart of the first 20 elements, including symbols, atomic numbers, diagrams, and atomic masses. They then add real-life pictures or drawings depicting the element’s common use or source, such as helium balloons for Helium. This activity can be adjusted in complexity based on student level and serves as a personalized study guide.
Watercolor Reproduction
Another creative approach involves reproducing the periodic table in watercolor, using visual art to reinforce memorization and understanding.
Related Resources
Several resources are available to support the Photographic Periodic Table activity. These include:
- StoryboardThat Lesson Plan: This resource provides guidance for students to research elements and compile key data alongside images, helping consolidate chemistry concepts around the periodic table.
- Engineered Labs: Offering physical specimens and educational tools like element samples encased in acrylic cubes, these can be used as tactile complements to photographic activities for a deeper understanding of elements.
- CK-12 FlexBooks: Containing examples of modern periodic table concepts, electronic configurations, and related chemistry lessons, these resources provide valuable background information for such activities.
Useful Links
- StoryboardThat periodic table first 20 elements activity: This activity focuses on creating element charts with images and data to build a visual periodic table.
- Engineered Labs educational products: These supplies offer hands-on element samples that can supplement photographic or visual periodic table projects.
- Chemistry instructional videos and visual tips on social media: These resources demonstrate watercolor or visual periodic table explorations through engaging videos and visual tips.
Additional Activities
The Photographic Periodic Table activity can be extended in various ways. For example, students can create a private collection of resources related to the periodic table of elements on the Science Learning Hub. They can also become familiar with the names and symbols of the chemical elements by creating a rap or poem in an activity called "Element rap".
Encouraging Science Communication
The Photographic Periodic Table activity also provides opportunities for discussion about the different ways science knowledge can be communicated and the role images play in supporting science communication. By engaging in activities like this, students learn to appreciate the importance of communicating scientific concepts effectively and creatively.
[1] StoryboardThat (n.d.). Periodic table first 20 elements activity. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.storyboardthat.com/lessons/periodic-table-first-20-elements
[2] Instagram reels: Periodic table art. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/periodictableart/
[3] Engineered Labs (n.d.). Educational products. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.engineeredlabs.com/
[4] CK-12 (n.d.). FlexBooks. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.ck12.org/flexbooks/
[5] Science Learning Hub (n.d.). Periodic table of elements resources. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1356-periodic-table
[6] Referencing Hub (n.d.). Periodic table of elements media. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://referencing.org.nz/media/periodic-table-of-elements
[7] New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators (n.d.). Symbol find activity. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1339-symbol-find
[8] New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators (n.d.). Periodic table of elements with pictures of objects containing each element. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1357-periodic-table-of-elements
[9] New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators (n.d.). Atomic clock teacher resource. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1360-atomic-clock
[10] New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators (n.d.). Element rap activity. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1361-element-rap
[11] New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators (n.d.). The periodic table of elements titled "Te taka pūmotu". Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1358-periodic-table-of-elements
[12] Science Learning Hub (n.d.). Understanding the development of the periodic table resources. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1359-understanding-the-development-of-the-periodic-table
- In the context of education-and-self-development and learning, the watercolor reproduction of the periodic table can serve as a creative way to reinforce memorization and understanding of chemical elements, thus connecting school science with personal artistic expression.
- Beyond creating a visual periodic table, students can utilize resources like StoryboardThatLesson Plan to research elements, compile key data alongside images, and build a personalized study guide, thereby enhancing their science education and learning experiences.
