Contextualization

The periodic table is one of the most fundamental and powerful tools available to scientists. It organizes all known chemical elements in a logical and easy-to-understand arrangement, revealing useful patterns and trends. Each element in the periodic table has a specific and unique place based on its physical and chemical properties. Throughout this project, you will discover that the periodic table is much more than just a simple table. It is the key to understanding the world around us.

The chemical elements that make up the periodic table are the basis of everything that exists - from the air we breathe to the stars in the distant sky. Understanding the periodic table allows us not only to understand but also to predict how these elements will interact with each other. This is essential in various real-world applications, from creating new materials and medicines to preventing environmental disasters and creating sustainable sources of energy.

Introduction

In this project, we will explore the basic structure of the periodic table, understand how the elements are organized, such as metals, nonmetals, noble gases, and much more. We will also recognize and understand the main families and series of the periodic table, such as the lanthanides and actinides, and how this organization facilitates the understanding of the elements' properties.

The periodic table is organized into horizontal rows called periods and vertical columns called groups. The groups are numbered from 1 to 18 and are classified into metals, nonmetals, metalloids, halogens, and noble gases. The elements in a group have similar chemical properties and tend to react in the same way.

The periodic table is also divided into distinct blocks: s-block, p-block, d-block, and f-block. Each block represents the electron sublevel being filled during that period. This organization facilitates the prediction of chemical reactions and properties of the elements.

Practical Activity

"Building the Periodic Table: A Journey Through Time"

Project Objectives:

Students should:

1. Understand the basic structure and organization of the periodic table, as well as the classification of elements.
2. Study and understand the history and evolution of the periodic table.
3. Exemplify elements from each group of the table and their everyday applications.
4. Develop research skills, information synthesis, and presentation.

Detailed Project Description:

The groups will be challenged to create their own version of a "timeline" of the periodic table, illustrating its main historical milestones, its changes, and the evolution of the representations of chemical elements over time. The timeline should contain information such as the names of the scientists who contributed to its construction, the dates of discovery of the elements, and the evolution of the organization of the elements.

In addition, the groups must identify and research the various types of elements in the periodic table (metals, nonmetals, noble gases, etc.) and how each of them is used in our daily lives. Students should collect materials that can represent each type of element and place them on their "timeline".

The "timeline" can be created on a large poster, using drawings, photos, cutouts, and other forms of visual representations.

Required Materials:

1. Cardboard or large poster.
2. Colored pens, colored pencils, and/or markers.
3. Scissors and glue.
4. Various materials to represent different types of elements (printed images, objects, etc.).
5. Reference books, internet access for research.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Divide students into groups of 3 to 5 participants.
2. Each group should research the history and evolution of the periodic table, including the main scientists involved and the dates of discovery of the elements.
3. The groups should then create a visual timeline on the cardboard, representing the main stages of the table's evolution and illustrating the elements discovered in each period.
4. In addition, the groups should research and collect materials that represent different types of elements and their everyday applications, and incorporate them into their timeline.
5. At the end of the project, each group should present their timeline to the class, explaining the history and evolution of the periodic table, the different types of elements, and their applications.

Project Deliverables:

After completing the practical part, students should write a report following the format: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

In the Introduction, they should contextualize the theme, its relevance, the real-world application, and the project's objective.

For the Development section, they should explain the theory behind the periodic table, describe in detail the activity carried out, indicate the methodology used, and finally, present and discuss the results obtained.

In the Conclusion section, students should summarize their main points, explain what they learned, and draw conclusions from the project.

In the Bibliography section, they should indicate the sources they used to work on the project, including books, web pages, videos, etc.

At the end of the project, students should acquire technical skills such as understanding the basic organization of the periodic table and its main families, and socio-emotional skills such as time management, effective communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, and proactivity.