National Periodic Table Day: A journey through elements

The periodic table is more than just a chart of elements — it’s the foundation of modern science, shaping everything from technology to medicine. Celebrated on February 7, National Periodic Table Day honours Dmitri Mendeleev’s groundbreaking discovery in 1869 and inspires students to explore the magic of chemistry. But how can learning about elements be fun? Ms Preeti Sharma, PGT Chemistry, Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, shares innovative techniques — mnemonics, acronyms, and real-life connections — to make chemistry engaging, interactive, and unforgettable!

“When it comes to a better understanding of the periodic table of elements, the students can use different techniques. For instance, students can use phrases. Chemistry mnemonic phrases consist of words made using the elements’ names. It’s best to create a mnemonic that you find funny or familiar like – Harry Helps Little Betty Brown Crack Nuts On Friday Nights. The first letters here refer to the first 10 elements on the periodic table,” the educator said.

Using acronyms and acrostics is a technique that refers to creating words containing the first letters of the elements’ names. The words can be nonsensical as long as they are easy to remember. For instance, the word HHeLiBeBCNOFN has no meaning, but it contains the symbols of the first 10 elements, the educator stated and added the periodic table influences our daily lives in many ways that students may not realise.

For example

·         Technology: The development of smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices relies on the properties of elements like silicon, copper, and rare earth metals.

·         Medicine: Many medical treatments and diagnostic tools rely on the properties of elements like iodine, barium, and technetium.

·         Energy: The production of energy from fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable sources like solar and wind relies on the properties of elements like carbon, uranium, and silicon.

·         Food: The production of fertilisers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals relies on the properties of elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

“For students who are struggling to find chemistry interesting, it is important to make the subject relatable to real life: Try to connect the concepts you’re learning in chemistry to real-life situations or applications. Visual aids like diagrams, videos, and interactive simulations can help make chemistry more engaging and easier to understand. Hands-on experiments can be a great way to make chemistry more enjoyable and interactive. Working with a study buddy or mentor can help make chemistry more enjoyable and provide additional support when you need it. Using O-LABS can also be beneficial,” the educator said in conclusion.