Exploring the Periodic Table

This year, our MYP2 students had their first encounter with the periodic table and the fascinating world of chemical elements. For many, this was an eye-opening experience, as they discovered that the periodic table is more than just a chart—it is a map filled with valuable information about the building blocks of our world.

Last week, our students focused into the names and symbols of different elements. Memorizing element names and their symbols can often be a challenge, and it is common for students to struggle with retention. To make this process more engaging and effective, students were introduced to a fun and competitive activity which helped them learn in an interactive way.

Students were paired into two small groups and challenged to match as many chemical symbols as possible with their corresponding element names. This friendly competition created an exciting atmosphere, motivating students to recall and apply their knowledge quickly. After an intense session, the group consisting of Alica, Zlata, Valentin, and Alex won, closely followed by Jack, Daniil, and Charlie, who also performed exceptionally well.

I’m glad to see that incorporating fun and interactive methods in the classroom can create a positive learning environment, where students feel motivated, build teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

This experience was a wonderful reminder that learning doesn’t have to be tedious or overwhelming. By turning lessons into interactive experiences, we empower students to grasp concepts more effectively and build a strong foundation for their future studies in science.