The seven rows in the periodic table are like the levels of a video game, and the eighteen columns are like the cool teams you can join! The latest “superheroes” added to the table are Nihonium, Moscovium, Tennessine, and Oganesson—talk about an elemental upgrade!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Science mini spark recording page: #28: Newest Elements

2. As of the date of this post, Aug 2024, 118 elements have been discovered. Watch this video about the newest elements and take detailed notes on your recording page about them.

3. Jim Roberto, ORNL associate lab director for science and technology partnerships, says “The discovery of new elements is actually very exciting on a number of different levels, and what we have done with our partners is change the periodic table, and we have changed every high school chemistry book.” Discuss the collaboration involved in the discovery of element 117. Which institutions were mentioned as partners? Record your response on your recording page.

4. Element 117 has been discovered and it is a very interesting process. Why is the creation of superheavy elements like element 117 significant in scientific research? Respond on your recording sheet.

5. We have a lucky connection to this discovery! Mrs. Sindt, EY teacher at Rockbrook, Oakdalem and Hillside, has a brother who is the Isotope Production Manager at Oak Ridge National Lab.  His name is John Krueger and he is an alum of Hillside Elementary and Westside High School! 

6. Some Rockbrook students asked John Krueger questions and received some very detailed, interesting responses. See the questions and responses here.

7. OPTIONAL: Think of a question you have about this discovery, or about science in general, that you’d like to ask him.  Email your question to your EY coordinator and will make sure it gets to Mr. Krueger.

8. Share your science mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.