The periodic table of chemical elements represents a great challenge for all children when it comes time to study it. Do you remember when it was your turn to do it? Too many numbers, nomenclatures and letters to learn ... For me it became quite a challenge, but one that I finally managed to overcome successfully. If your child is going through this stage right now, don't worry! Like me, he will also end up learning them. And more with these 7 tricks to learn the periodic table in a fun way.
There are children who find it very easy to remember the symbols of the chemical elements, while others memorize their exact position on the table or others choose to study the nomenclature. Whatever the case of your child, it is important to start from the basis of knowing what exactly is the periodic table of the elements and why it is so important to the study of chemistry.
This table, created by Dmitri Mendéleyev, represents the distribution of the chemical elements, arranged in the form of a scientific table according to their atomic number, chemical properties, and electron composition. In such a way that each element that follows the other obeys a periodic trend, which means that it has a similar behavior to the elements in the same column. The rows are known as periods, and the columns are called groups, some of which have names.
One of the advantages of knowing the nomenclature of chemical elements is that we can identify them in the products we consume every day: such as cleaning products, medicines, makeup and even food. In this way we know what they contain and what we must do to avoid any type of complication, such as allergies, side reactions, precautions for their use and adequate, non-harmful amounts.
Let's look at some of the tricks that will help kids learn the periodic table of chemical elements!
1. Learn the table thanks to the mnemonic
This is a very useful tool that stimulates the process of mental association between things for learning and memorization. It works through the linking of these objects according to their utility, characteristics or contents in everyday life.
To use it with the periodic table, simply create simple sentences for each element that you can relate to its practical use, you can also separate the table by each of its groups of elements and describe the characteristics that unite them.
For example, there is a well-known phrase that has helped children of many generations to remember the first item in each column. Once these first elements are placed in a table, remembering the rest is easier. The phrase is:
Today BEnito Drew the Title of Chromatic Lazy While FElipe ate Nísperos Covered with Carrots. Barcelona Con Navarra Offers Frozen Strawberries.
As you may have noticed, the capital letters correspond to the elements: Hydrogen, Beryllium, Scandium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Magnesium, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine and Helium.
2. Scheme or Concept Map
Another tool that allows the association, learning and memorization of concepts through the use of keywords and short phrases, in a descending way. The idea is to make a type of diagram with the child that helps him remember all the chemical elements and their placement. Also, you can add a short summary or a note to help you.
Repetition is an old study trick that is very useful for memorizing. However, with respect to the periodic table, it is not enough just to learn the elements by heart, but also their characteristics, position, grouping and nomenclature.
So a good idea is that you make an empty periodic table with your child only with the squares and fill these with the elements of the table and their compounds. Repeat over and over again, until you can do it without problem.
4. Dominic system
This method is a bit more complicated but quite effective when it comes to learning about the periodic table. It is a tool created by Dominic O’Brien, whose function is to memorize sequences of digits. In this way, each letter is related to a number and then it is given a characteristic. In this way you can use the letters of the nomenclatures and to each one add a number, which indicates the properties of said element.
5. Loci method
The Loci method is a mnemonic tool to train memory skills, which is very useful when studying the chemical periodic table. It is about mentally associating each element of the periodic table with the places in our home. You can even add drawings and notes to such places in your home in reality so that you can amplify this tool.
This technique is also known as the Palace of Memories technique, precisely because it involves using our home as a bookstore.
6. Electronic App
With technology on our side, we can take advantage of it to study periodic tables through applications and online games. These will help our child to memorize, catalog and associate each element, not only within the periodic table but in everyday use.
The best thing is to propose to your child a fun and different way to study, like these tricks. You will see how the periodic table stops being an impossible mission to study to be something simpler.
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