The Periodic Table of Elements is a creative project waiting to happen. I’ve included examples of art and music today. Doing creative projects using the table is both an intellectual challenge and a reward, but good learning comes only after real work anyway. Using the arts makes it fun as well, allows for upper level thinking processes and making connections.
ART
Julie Hu created a visual version of the Periodic Table when she was a student at Bowdoin College. Created in Photoshop with a Wacom stylus pen and Cintiq large-format tablet, each element in Hu’s “Periodic Graphics of Elements” has a unique design and color palette that communicates something of the element’s use or history. Hu was first inspired to make a new periodic table when she was sixteen and just becoming interested in graphic design. (She said she knew she wanted to be an artist when she was eight years old.) She turned her design skills to topics that fascinated her in chemistry, astronomy, and physics*.
* https://www.bowdoin.edu/news/2019/02/a-first-years-extraordinary-periodic-table.html
Doing art for the table offers so many possibilities for both kids of all ages and adults. Science fair projects, group projects (such as murals or journals), themed exhibits, research projects, computer graphics, collaboration, and more. Both art classes and science classes have a smorgasbord of ways for connected learning.
The website Teachers Pay Teachers offers many teacher-written activities including a collaborative poster project. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-of-Elements-Collaborative-Poster-Science-Collaboration-Poster-3067692
MUSIC
For years I have been aware of Tom Lehrer’s song The Elements (Which uses a Gilbert & Sullivan tune). Tom, whose cutting social commentary left him on the outskirts of fame, was a mathematics professor at MIT and other places. He has been described as a satirical genius. He is noteworthy in that he assigned his body of songwriting to the public domain, meaning they can be used by anyone without payment.
You can hear the song here. He includes an older version of elements at the end, so it incorporates science history as well. And his sense of humor radiates through every note.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcS3NOQnsQM
Again we have possibilities for projects. Students can try a hand at songwriting – or finding a tune suitable to use. It seems ready-made for a class play or musical. With summer coming up, art and music camps can find inspiration in the cleverness of both the tune and the rhythm of the table.
The Youtube channel ASAP Science has a version of the Periodic Table Song as well, along with an animation. The tune borrows from Jacque Offenbach and is catchy. I can envision 3rd and 4th graders singing this and acing high school science tests by singing to themselves. There is the addition of simple animation, suitable to inspire students working on computer animation or graphic design.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4Dd1I_fX0
AsapSCIENCE is a science education YouTube channel that uses humor, whiteboard doodle animation and songs to simplify complex STEM concepts. It is a colorful intersection of art, science, and pop culture where anyone can learn, participate, and grow.(from the website)
I see both versions of the The Elements song as a challenging memory exercise for folks of all ages who are concerned with keeping brain function sharp. Music teachers I have known recommend practice in small increments as a most effective learning strategy. Five minutes at a time, three or four times a day. A project for kids on a long trip or adults as a whimsical party trick or just to keep the little gray cells in shape.
There are many articles available that make the case for using art to study science. ASCD says, “It turns out that one of the best predictors of success in scientific subjects in grades K–16 is visual imaging ability.” https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/the-art-and-craft-of-science Take advantage of a buffet of ideas to provide a fun and meaningful science education.
Margo Lemieux is a retired professor of art who took advantage of all the interesting aspects of the world to inspire art projects.
