Table Manners for Beginners

The IntuitivChemistry series is different!

The Ross Periodic Table is a pedagogical model of the periodic table, the first periodic table designed for learning. A synthesis of cognitive science plus chemistry, the Ross Table is a powerful representation of the periodic table, aimed at high school students in their first chemistry course.

How does it work? Every atom of the main block elements is represented with just three features: the atomic core, the valence radius, and the valence electrons. Using only their natural intuitive reasoning, students make use of these three features to make accurate predictions of chemical behavior.

Students will quickly learn these three simple concepts, and apply them to an astonishing number of chemical phenomena. Within a few days, they will accurately predict and explain the behavior of the elements covered in introductory chemistry courses. These concepts will form a strong foundation for all the chemistry you'll teach in high school, and are still useful in college!

• Compatible with the emerging consensus on the nature of science.
• Works with, not against, students' natural cognitive growth.
• Integrates language with learning

Your students will gain a level of fluency that is not possible using other approaches. As teachers and parents know, personal competency is the only reliable foundation for building self esteem and confidence.

In four sets of two-page exercises, the students will cover these essential chemistry topics.

1. Atomic theory, the structure of the periodic table, the Ross model of the atom, and how it matches the periodic table
2. Electron attraction, electronegativity, metals, non-metals, metalloids and the noble gases
3. Reactions and reactivity of the halogens, the alkali metals, the row three elements, and the noble gases.
4. Chemical bonding, with the emphasis on covalent bonding as the first example. Following that will be polar covalent bonds and then ionic bonding. A quick study of ionic solids, covalent solids, and network solids provides supporting student experiences. Finally, an intuitive approach to electron density provides another view of all of the bond types.

That is a lot of topics to cover in such short order. This book is aimed primarily at teachers and parents, to demonstrate the breadth of the Ross diagram and the power of the pedagogical periodic table.

The student exercises would provide a memorable experience of essential chemistry. The related teacher guide will provide every parent and teacher with a convincing experience of the utility of the Ross model as a teaching method.