We designed our periodic table into a cube shape. Designing it into a cube makes it easier to understand because you can physically move and interact with it. In our periodic table we have multiple patterns in the placement, colour, and organization of it. There are two patterns to do with the colours. The first pattern is that each symbol is outlined by its family (Alkali metals = red, Alkaline Earth metals = green, Transition metals = blue, Halogens = light pink, Noble Gasses = magenta). The second colour pattern is that each element is shaded by its state of matter (Metals = orange, Gases/nonmetals = teal, Liquid = purple). Another pattern that is in our periodic table is that each side of the cube is a family (the transition metals needed 3 sides). We organized these in a specific order with the Alkali, Alkaline Earth, and Transition metals around the sides of the cube, the Halogens on the bottom, and the Noble Gasses on the top. We also put elements on the inside of the cube. The Lanthanides and Actinides are on the inside of the cube as well as the nonmetal solids. We put the Lanthanides and Actinides on the inside because we did not learn about them and they’re not as common as the other families. They are outlined in yellow. We also put the nonmetal solids and Nitrogen and Oxygen because they are not part of the Halogens/Noble Gasses or Transition metals, so they didn’t fit in any of the other groups. The elements are organized horizontally across the cube as it would be vertically in the original periodic table. Each column is separated by a thicker line. We did this because most things are read left to right, so by making the columns horizontal it is easier to read families and see what elements are more or less reactive. There are many patterns and methods of organization in our periodic table, but the main reason it is effective is because of the size and the way you can hold, turn, and observe different parts of it. This makes it engaging and easier to understand.

The 5 D’s:

Define:

To design and create a new and unique version of the Periodic Table that is easier to understand and comprehend. You must use your imagination and critical thinking skills to come up with a brand new model of the Periodic Table. When creating the Periodic Table you can use shapes, colours, and other unique ideas that will separate and stand out from the rest. This Periodic Table should either show ideas that you yourself find easier to understand or that you find a lot of other people feel is easier. Not only are you going to be using creative thinking and critical thinking, but also communication between your group members. The goals for making this Periodic Table is to have a finished product that has multiple patterns, and that helps people better understand a certain part of the Table.

Dream:

The Periodic Table tells us the name, symbol, and mass of each element. It also tell us information about the atoms and how many protons, neutrons, and electrons it has. The elements themselves are also arranged in a specific order showing the metallic properties, the reactive properties, and showing patterns throughout the different families. An example is the multiple patterns in the number of electrons in each element through either the families or periods (vertical/horizontal). We could rearrange the elements based on their state of matter or  we could try and do it alphabetically by the name of the element. We could use shapes such as triangles or circles, or try 3D shapes such as cubes or pyramids. We could even try stacking multiple shapes on top of each other. Another unique idea could be to colour code the table some how, either to do with its family or state of matter. A more difficult idea could be to make a Periodic Table out of the elements Bohr Models and connect them somehow.

Design:

Our idea is to make a giant 3D cube that has all the elements around the outside of the cube. We want to include colour and and have multiple patterns to do with families and state of matter and basically anything we can fit on it. We want to be able to move the cube around and be able to look at it from numerous angles. We are going to write out each element as you see it on the Periodic Table and not change the look of the squares, but we are going to change the arrangement and organization of the table.

Deliver:

We designed our periodic table into a cube shape. Designing it into a cube makes it easier to understand because you can physically move and interact with it. In our periodic table we have multiple patterns in the placement, colour, and organization of it. There are two patterns to do with the colours. The first pattern is that each symbol is outlined by its family (Alkali metals = red, Alkaline Earth metals = green, Transition metals = blue, Halogens = light pink, Noble Gasses = magenta). The second colour pattern is that each element is shaded by its state of matter (Metals = orange, Gases/nonmetals = teal, Liquid = purple). Another pattern that is in our periodic table is that each side of the cube is a family (the transition metals needed 3 sides). We organized these in a specific order with the Alkali, Alkaline Earth, and Transition metals around the sides of the cube, the Halogens on the bottom, and the Noble Gasses on the top. We also put elements on the inside of the cube. The Lanthanides and Actinides are on the inside of the cube as well as the nonmetal solids. We put the Lanthanides and Actinides on the inside because we did not learn about them and they’re not as common as the other families. They are outlined in yellow. We also put the nonmetal solids and Nitrogen and Oxygen because they are not part of the Halogens/Noble Gasses or Transition metals, so they didn’t fit in any of the other groups. The elements are organized horizontally across the cube as it would be vertically in the original periodic table. Each column is separated by a thicker line. We did this because most things are read left to right, so by making the columns horizontal it is easier to read families and see what elements are more or less reactive. There are many patterns and methods of organization in our periodic table, but the main reason it is effective is because of the size and the way you can hold, turn, and observe different parts of it. This makes it engaging and easier to understand.

Debrief:

An obvious flaw we can see in the design of our Periodic Table is that it is too flimsy and not as strong as we would’ve hoped. Next time if we choose a 3D option instead of using paper we should use cardboard because it is more durable and sturdy. Also if we were to do this again we could type the elements up on the computer and then print them off to make them neater and so every single one looks identical. Some little things could also be touched up on, such as using clear tape instead of masking tape, and even not using tape at all (staples, glue, etc.).