A Fresh Look at the Periodic Table
By: Jaelyn, Cole and Riley
Define:
We need to find a way to rearrange the periodic table in a new order that still makes sense. In order to do this, we need to use the Solution Fluency method.
Discover:
What is the periodic table of elements? How is the periodic table arranged now? Why was the periodic table arranged the way it was? How many elements are on the periodic table? How many columns are there? How many families are there?
Dream:
The periodic table is an arrangement of pure elements. The elements were placed according to their chemical and physical properties as well as their atomic numbers. If we were to change the periodic table, we could colour code it. We need to consider several other different factors too: boiling point, melting point, number of protons, electrons, neutrons, atomic mass, etc. We could also arrange the table by state at room temperature in alphabetical order. We could put it into different patterns or shapes. Another thing we could try is arrange it according to the chemical properties such as radioactivity or toxicity. We may also try to arrange it by physical properties such as colour or state.
Design:
We will rearrange the periodic table so that it will be easier to find the elements. In the original table, it goes by atomic number and chemical properties. In our table, it will be arranged alphabetically by metals and non-metals. Our design should be relatively easy to read because most people know their alphabet. People are more likely to know the letter symbol rather than the atomic number. For example, instead of having to find where element Ba is based on its atomic number, you will find it close to the top of the table because the symbol starts with a letter near the beginning of the alphabet. All you must do is look through the letter B section. The original periodic table can be a little confusing because there are gaps even though it reads left to right. Element numbers 57-71 and 89-103 may also be a little confusing because of their placement on the table. We will make the shape a complete rectangle. All 118 of the elements will fit. We will use colour to show the state of the element at room temperature (20°C). We will use other colours to show what kinds of elements they are. For example, we will have different colours to distinguish categories such as alkali metals, metalloids, noble gases, etc.
Deliver: Individual
We have re-done the table. We have changed the table into categories of metals and non-metals alphabetically. This simplifies the way to find the elements on the new table. We made the new table a rectangular shape.
Debrief: Individual
We could have improved our plan by make each group member doing their own induvial work.