Periodic Asundries

Everything is finally coming together for our "official" study of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The wall displays that we ordered from the Oriental Trading Company arrived. They were folded up really tight and came out smelling like new vinyl, but the wrinkles are starting to hang out. The pockets were a bit snug on some of the trading cards and some of them had to be trimmed ever so slightly in order to get them to fit. To answer your question, Yes, they are clear on both sides so that we can see the backs of the cards as well.

Now I just need to figure out where I'm going to hang it! It's huge!


When we were at The Museum of Science and Industry last week, we were able to finish the Glass Experience exhibit (see previous post). One of the most fantastic displays was of Chihuly's Macchia glass bowls. There was a movie that showed how they make them. Incredible is all I can say.


I'm not sure, but I'd guess that some of these bowls are worth more than my car!

Part of the exhibit perfectly fit our study of the elements. They had display tables that featured samples of quite a number of the elements used in glass manufacture.

And of course, the wall displays were a big help!

It makes it fun that we have discussed the table enough that the girls are starting to recognize it's appearance and significance. When we walked into this hallway, Megan got excited and practically shouted, "Look Mom! Elements!"
My only fear is that the girls will start asking me "What element is that made of Mom?" and I won't be able to find the answer.

One last note: we bought a small Periodic Table poster (placemat size) in the gift shop at the museum. It has pictures of almost all of the "real" elements, or pictures of the person who discovered them, plus info on the back about each element. I'm sure I paid more than necessary, it being from a gift shop and all, but the info says you can buy it in different sizes from periodictable.com. And you can buy samples of the elements at element-collection.com. Now don't you just want to go right out and buy a piece of Praseodymium?