Convey the social and historical importance of the elaboration of the periodic table. Rethink the idea of scientific discovery as a collective process of knowledge accumulation, beyond the action of an individual genius.

The periodic table is a paradigmatic example of how we understand scientific discoveries. For Chemistry, it is the most perfect tool to order, classify and explain the properties of the elements and the behaviour of matter. At a historical level, it represents the definitive establishment of Modern Chemistry as a discipline and at a social level it becomes a symbol of knowledge, we could even say that it is a “pop icon”. This activity precisely proposes to place oneself in the historical process of its discovery; at the same time that it accounts for the process of collective accumulation of knowledge that bases Dmitri Mendeleyev’s proposal in 1971. A different way of approaching the theoretical content where the result does not have to be assumed but the process experienced.

Objectives

Convey the social and historical importance of the elaboration of the periodic table. Rethink the idea of scientific discovery as a collective process of knowledge accumulation, beyond the action of an individual genius. Provide support to users during the recreation of the cognitive process associated with a great scientific statement.

Recommendations

The duration of the activity is approximately 50-55 minutes and is carried out in groups of 4-6 users. It is recommended to prepare the groups and the space beforehand. It is not necessary to have previously introduced the subject of the periodic table, but it is recommended.

Description

During the workshop, each group is given a box containing the material -magnetised periodic table-. First, they will have to find a way to classify the elements known in Mendeleyev’s time with the known (summarised) information on their properties, and then arrange them on a modern periodic table. Next, the new elements that are discovered and other scientific phenomena that will affect the table will be revealed in chronological order. At the end of the activity, the periodic table as we currently know it will have been obtained. All groups are asked to hand in the material with the finished activity to check that they have understood the route taken during the activity. The key to the activity is the dialogue that occurs through joint participation.

Coordinated by: Lluís Pascual

Date and Time: 

January 13, 2023; IES Riu Túria (Quart de Poblet), 45 people

January 19, 2023; IES Rascanya-Antonio Cañuelo (València), 50 people

January 25, 2023; IES Els Évols (L’Alcúdia), 90 people

January 26, 2023; IES Enric Soler i Godes (Benifaió), 60 people

February 1, 2023; IES El Puig (El Puig de Santa Maria), 75 people

February 1, 2023; CE Gençana (Godella), 31 people

February 3, 2023; IES Almussafes (València), 100 people

February 14, 2023; IES Pedreguer (València), 92 people

March 16, 2023; IES Alcàsser (Alcàsser), 68 people

March 22, 2023; Col. Salesianos San Juan Bosco (València), 72 people

April 24, 2023; S. IES Fernando III de Ayora (Jalance), 52 people