Elements of the Periodic Table works best using modern browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer 9.
By clicking on the image above, you'll be able to explore:
- The history of the Periodic Table in just 2 minutes
- How certain elements changed the course of history
- How the different parts of our planet are made up of the same elemental building blocks
- Where different elements occur, and what places they get their names from
- Which elements make up the human body
- The elements that are vital, and dangerous, to human life
- How an element's atomic structure determines the shape of the table
If this has whetted your appetite for learning about chemistry, try our Level 1 course Exploring Science.
Take a closer look at the elements
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Noble gases
Watch now to access more details of Noble gasesWhat happens when you put noble gases, some balloons and a rooftop together? Watch what happens...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Alkali metals
Watch now to access more details of Alkali metalsDiscover the explosive results when water and alkali metals come together - and the science behind the reaction
Level: 1 Introductory
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Putting the elements in order
Watch now to access more details of Putting the elements in orderSee how patterns and trends between the chemical elements helped to shape the Periodic Table
Level: 1 Introductory
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Properties of gold
Read now to access more details of Properties of goldOpen University chemist Mike Bullivant outlines the properties of gold
Level: 1 Introductory
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David Parsons - 21 March 2017 9:40am
The video 'introducing the periodic table' is missing.
OpenLearn Moderator - 21 March 2017 3:02pm
Thanks for letting us know - I'll ask the course team to re-instate the video.
Best wishes
OpenLearn Moderator
David Parsons - 21 March 2017 9:52am
Even without the introduction video this is worth 5 stars. I must have visited this page a dozen times now and I still love it.
I would really like a periodic table wall poster, as I believe it would really help me to learn it, if it is permanently stuck to my wall, rather than keep having to access it on my computer. Would it be possible for somebody to post me one, that is if you have them in stock?
Many thanks Ben
16 Dixon Street,
Lees
Oldham
Ol4 3NG
Hi Ben, I'm afraid we don't have any periodic table posters.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Best wishes
OpenLearn Moderator