Unveiled: Exciting New Music Release - "Element Rapt"
The Science Learning Hub has released a new collection of resources designed to help students learn about the periodic table of elements in a unique and engaging way. By incorporating Māori names for elements, their symbols, and chemical families, this approach offers a culturally meaningful and educational experience that celebrates both science and language.
To begin, students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Te Taka Pūmotu, the Māori periodic table, and at least 20 elements. Noting the English name, chemical symbol, and Māori name of each element will provide a solid foundation for the learning process. For instance, elements such as hydrogen (H) - *Ha*, oxygen (O) - *Okorūrumu*, nitrogen (N) - *Naitoro*, sodium (Na) - *Kūrei*, potassium (K) - *Pōtasi*, chlorine (Cl) - *Karāma*, neon (Ne) - *Neōnī*, and argon (Ar) - *Arona* are all part of the collection.
Once familiar with the table, students should learn the structure of the periodic table, organised by atomic number (number of protons) and arranged in periods (rows) and groups or families (columns). Groups have similar chemical properties; for example, alkali metals (Group 1) include highly reactive metals like sodium (Na) and potassium (K), while halogens (Group 17) are reactive nonmetals like chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F), and inert gases or noble gases (Group 18) are very unreactive gases like neon (Ne) and argon (Ar).
With a solid understanding of the key element groups, students can then identify and highlight their chosen elements and their group/family. This information can be used to create a rap or poem that emphasises the properties and groups of the elements, making learning both artistic and informative.
For example, the opening lines of a rap or poem might read:
> "From **Ha** to **Neōnī**, elements in line, > Alkali metals flash, react and shine. > **Kūrei** and **Pōtasi**, power on display, > Reactive and ready, in water they play. > **Karāma** and **Karamuā**, halogens so bright, > Spreading energy, glowing with light. > Then comes the **Arona**, inert and calm, > Noble gas vibes, nature’s quiet balm."
In addition to describing the groups or properties within the lyrics, students can also briefly explain the unique characteristics of each element, such as how alkali metals are reactive, halogens form salts, and noble gases rarely react with others.
Once completed, students are encouraged to perform their rap or poem aloud, emphasising Māori names to celebrate the cultural integration. Visual aids or reference to the actual Te Taka Pūmotu can further enrich the learning experience.
The Science Learning Hub team has published this collection, which can be found on their website and includes a detailed periodic table offering a wide range of information. Registration for the Science Learning Hub is free and can be done with an email address or Google account. Users can also make this collection part of their private collection by clicking on the copy icon. The collection has been updated, and additional content, notes, and changes can be made to the collection as needed.
Students should learn about the groups of the elements in the Te Taka Pūmotu, the Māori periodic table, as part of their education-and-self-development journey. For example, by understanding the properties of alkali metals like sodium (Kūrei) and potassium (Pōtasi) in Group 1, students can appreciate the connection between science and their own culture. Additionally, students can explore the self-development aspect by composing a rap or poem using the Māori names of elements, highlighting their properties and groups to enhance their learning experience and showcase their creativity.
