Background: 

This project began with a deck of cards and several observations regarding textbook learning, chemistry and the Periodic Table of Elements.

 

Problems and opportunities:

1. The Periodic Table of Elements is often seen as the "face" of chemistry and represents what can be a daunting and difficult learning experience for young students.

 

2. Traditional textbook learning is not always the ideal approach for understanding difficult topics.

 

3. Young students tend to respond better to learning experiences which are entertaining.  

 

Key questions:

How can a deck of cards bring the Periodic Table to life and provide young students with a fun, user-friendly introduction to chemistry?

 

How can scientific information be presented in a way that is accessible, meaningful and memorable?

 

Final proposal included:

1. A deck of learning cards which provides an entertaining learning experience on several levels.

 

2. A memory game where the face of each card illustrates and describes an element and the reverse side describes the element along with its technical information such as Atomic Number, Atomic Weight and electron shell configuration. 

 

3. A layout game to familiarise students with the layout of the Periodic Table.