When we approach the subject of chemical elements at school, everything becomes a jumble of numbers, letters and symbols. But this is not the case, because this table is perfectly ordered. You just have to learn a series of tips to learn the periodic table of elements and your children will handle it perfectly chempire.net.
Let’s first see what it is before learning how to decipher its secrets. Don’t miss out!
What is the periodic table of elements?
The periodic table was created by chemistry professor Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869. This model was later expanded and improved and forms the basis of the tool we know today.
The table diagram orders the different elements and presents us with the following data and symbols:
Letter or letters that identify each item.
The atomic number.
Chemical properties.
The composition of electrons.
The columns of the table are called groups or families and the lines are called elements . In total, there are 118 elements arranged in 7 rows and 18 columns.
In short, there is a lot of information! Therefore, we will help you facilitate learning .
Discover the best tips for learning the periodic table of elements with children
Choose from the following methods the one that is most comfortable for your child .
1. Use the mnemonic
Using sentences to remember the elements is a very effective tip for memorizing the table.
Thanks to these tips, you will easily remember the first element of each column in the correct order , which must correspond to the initial capital letters: Hydrogen, Beryllium, Scandium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Magnesium, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper , Zinc, Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine and Helium.
Try making up your own sentences or stories to implement this method!
2. Play cards
ChemMend is a game developed by Vicente Martí Centelles and Jenifer Rubio Magnieto, professors of the chemistry degree at the Universitat Jaume I.
Cards help children learn by playing which groups and elements the elements belong to.
3. Build a concept map
Diagrams or concept maps are great for learning by association. To make them, you can use common words and associate them with chemical elements.
Another way to use this method is to create a mind map with everyday images associated with the elements , instead of words. A good source for this is the picture table created by physicist Keith Enevoldsen: The Periodic Table of the Elements, in Pictures . It is available on their site for download in pdf format .
4. Try the Loci Method
The word loci means ‘place’ in Latin. You can therefore already imagine what this method consists of: associating the place where we are with the elements of the table. You can do it at home, during a daily walk or at school.
This strategy is known as “memory palace”. Because it activates memory and creates knowledge through associations.
5. Take advantage of technology
Technology offers a plethora of educational sites and digital tools that help children with their homework. Whether to learn history , geography or chemistry, mobile apps are a great resource.
Playing online is a valuable tip for learning. There are many games that use the periodic table of elements and even allow you to self-assess and check your own progress.
Why learn the periodic table of elements?
Certainly, with one of the methods that we explain to you, your child will quickly learn the periodic table and pass their exams without problem. It is also good to explain in a practical way the real usefulness of this knowledge.
A good idea is to relate the periodic table to an everyday element. For example, food or medicine labels.
This way, children will find more meaning in learning the elements. In addition, the periodic table will lose its halo of mystery and become something useful for daily life.