Contextualization and Introduction

The Periodic Table of the Elements is one of the most important and fundamental tools for those working in the field of chemistry. And not only that, many other sciences use it as a fundamental piece in their research.

Imagine a library, where all the books are organized into categories, and these categories are organized alphabetically, we can say that the Periodic Table is the library of chemicals. It is where scientists find the "books" (chemical elements) they need to "read" (study) and "write" (perform experiments).

Theoretically, the Periodic Table is organized into vertical families, which are known as groups and horizontal periods. In addition, we have metals, non-metals, metalloids, noble gases and others. In this way, all chemical elements are organized according to their properties.

This organization is not by chance, but is the result of many years of study and research. And that's what we're going to learn about in this project. Are you able to create a handcrafted Periodic Table?

Let's go back in time, right to the 19th century, when the chemist Dmitri Mendeleev first presented his table to the Russian Chemical Society. Interestingly, Mendeleev even left spaces in his table for elements that had not yet been discovered!

The Periodic Table is not just a symbol for chemists. It is an everyday tool for thousands of scientists around the world. It allows them to predict the behavior of an element, its possible combinations and even its existence!

For this great journey, the following materials can be used as a basis for your studies and discussions:

• Interactive Periodic Table

• History of the Periodic Table

• YouTube Channel "Chemistry with Prof. Paulo Valim"

• Book: "The Elements: A Visual Exploration of every Known Atom in the Universe" by Theodore Gray

Hands-on Activity - "Building a Handmade Periodic Table"

Project Objectives

1. Understand the basic structure and organization of the elements in the Periodic Table.

2. Identify and recognize the main families of elements.

3. Develop research, synthesis and information presentation skills.

4. Promote teamwork, time management and creative and collaborative problem solving.

Detailed Project Description

Each group of 3 to 5 students will be responsible for creating their own handcrafted Periodic Table. Don't worry, no artistic skill is required for this, just a lot of research, creativity and collaboration.

The Periodic Table should be divided according to groups and periods, and the elements should be organized according to their properties. Groups of students should also select some elements to study in more depth and share their findings with the class.

Required Materials

1. Cardboard or cardstock for the base of the table.

2. Colored paper or colored pens to identify different groups or families of elements.

3. Scissors, glue, tape.

4. Computers or tablets for research.

Detailed Step-by-Step Activity

1. First, each group should plan and sketch out their Periodic Table. Remember to consider the groups, periods, and categories of the elements.

2. Then, reproduce the sketch on the cardboard or cardstock. The table should be large enough so that each element can be clearly seen and identified.

3. Next, research each element that you will put in your table. Write down relevant information such as name, symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, group, period, and category. For some elements, also try to find out interesting uses or fun facts.

4. Now, create labels for each element with the information you researched and glue them to the table in the appropriate locations.

5. Finally, prepare a presentation for the class about your Periodic Table. Share what you have learned about the elements you researched in more detail.

Project Deliverables

1. Physical Periodic Table: The table created by the group should be presented. It should be assessed for accuracy, organization, and appearance.

2. Oral Presentation: The group should present their Periodic Table and share what they have learned about the elements they researched in more depth.

3. Written Report: The group should submit a report, in the proposed format, containing the explanation about the project and the results obtained. It is important that the report is in accordance with what was worked on in practice. The introduction should contextualize the importance of the Periodic Table, the development should detail the process of creating the table, the elements researched and the methodology used. In the conclusion, the lessons learned and reflections on the work should be presented. Finally, the bibliography used for the development of the project should be presented.